Portable Computer Support

ABSTRACT

A support for a pad computer and the like includes a body support strap which may be placed around the neck or shoulders of a user, and a body propping unit that positions a computer outwardly from the torso of the user. The body support strap connects to the body propping member preferably at a location proximately aligned with the center of gravity of the combined mass of the computer and computer support when the body popping member is deployed in its stand-off position. In a preferred variant the body propping member is a U-shaped strut assembly with two arms joined by a bridge. The body support strap connects to the arms. The arms are hinged at the sides of the computer. The bridge may be swung from an in-use orientation spacing the computer outwardly from a user, to a parked position wherein the bridge lies adjacent to an opposite transverse edge of the computer in the plane of the computer.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a support system for a portablecomputer similar to the “Pad-Computer” type and the like with the objectof enabling a user to operate the computer with one or both hands whilebeing seated or upright. Further features, amongst others, provide forthe support to be positioned for storage or converted into a stand fortabletop operation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The advent of compact mobile computing devices that utilize a touchscreen user interface has highlighted the need for an improved means ofcarrying them about while operating them. For example: in addition totheir telephony functions, “Smart Phones” such as the Apple iPhone™ orthe HTC Desire™ include a touch screen and Graphical User Interface.However the cell phone's inherently small size makes it difficult for auser to fully interact with the device's sophisticated softwarefunctions, particularly ones that require typing onto a virtual keyboarddisplayed on its tiny touch screen. It's quite difficult to actuate keyson these tiny “virtual keyboards” and virtually impossible to rapidlytouch-type on them using both hands.

In order to operate such a Smart Phone, it must be held in one handwhile being operated by the other hand and his ergonomic constraintlimits its utility as a general-purpose mobile computer. To remediatethe Smart Phone's lack of ergonomic efficiency, larger “Pad-Computers”have been introduced, examples of which are the Apple iPad™, theMotorola Xoom™ and the “Asus Eee Pad™. Such Pad-Computers (also referredto below as simply “P-Cs”) have touch screens that are substantiallylarger than those of a smart phone. This greatly facilitates both datainput and data visualization.

The Pad-Computer's relatively large touch screen is rectangular with asize and aspect ratio comparable to that of a typical printed page. Tofully exploit its rectangular touch screen, a P-C typically has aninternal accelerometer or gravity sensor that measures the touchscreen's vertical orientation and automatically reorients its displayeddata for correct viewing in either “portrait orientation” or “landscapeorientation”. This display feature enables different softwareapplications to automatically display data in the most appropriateupright orientation for the task at hand. For example, users can rotatetheir P-C so its touch screen is vertically oriented (portrait mode),thereby enabling optimal display of “pages” when reading an “Ebook”. Ifthe user then wishes to edit a text document, they can rotate their PCscreen through 90 degrees into horizontal orientation (landscape mode)and the Pad-Computer's word processing software will automaticallydisplay a large virtual keyboard along the bottom of the touch screen tofacilitate the task.

The P-C's landscape-oriented virtual keyboard is typically large enoughfor the user to touch-type rapidly using both hands however in order todo so, the P-C must first be supported at an appropriate angle andposition with respect to the use; typically, the P-C is supported on ahorizontal surface such as a tabletop however the user's lap may alsosuffice as a support surface. Without such an external support surfaceand stand, the user is forced to hold their P-C with one hand whileslowly typing with the other hand.

A further impediment to mobile use of the P-C is that there's asubstantial risk of dropping it due to its smooth tablet-like shapewhich makes it difficult to grasp securely without obscuring the datadisplay. To address these problems, a variety of tabletop computerstands (such as Yamada U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,135) can be used to providethe necessary tabletop support for a P-C so that it can be used moreeffectively. However, the use of such a stand will still force the userto sit at a desk while working and this defeats the purpose of usingsuch a small computer that would otherwise be well-suited for mobileuse.

To enable true mobility during two-handed operation and/or hands-freeviewing of a P-C's touch screen, it could be “worn” by the user as theywalk about using a harness that suspends the P-C at an optimal locationand orientation in front of their abdomen. A variety of prior artharness devices are somewhat adaptable to this mobile usage mode: e.g.Morde (U.S. Pat. No. 1,542,163) provides a hands free platform thatcould emulate the function of a tabletop as described above and therebyfacilitate optimal mobile use of a Pad-Computer.

Similar harnessed platform configurations are disclosed by Bourque (U.S.Pat. No. 5,667,114), Saner (U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,096, Lee (U.S. Pat. No.6,349,864), Maddali (U.S. Pat. No. 6,381,127) and Baranoski (U.S. Pat.No. 7,780,049). In particular Lee (U.S. Pat. No. 6,349,864) provides abody hanging member in the form of a neck strap and a hinged U-shapedpropping unit for separating the portable computer from the user's bodyin which this strap may be connected either to the computer or to thearms of the propping unit.

However the propping unit, amongst other things cannot be swungcompletely past both transverse edges of the computer, lacks a facilityfor supporting the computer at multiple discrete orientations and doesnot provide for the hanging strap to be connected to allow the computerto assume both near-balanced and pendulous orientations.

While all of the above references provide wearable carriers foroperating a computer, these prior art devices may suffer from one ormore of the following drawbacks:

—They cannot be both wearable and support a Pad-Computer for landscapeor portrait oriented viewing or at a suitable inclination for ergonomictouch-typing when placed onto a tabletop.

-   -   When worn, the prior art carriers do not provide adequate        balance to counteract the tendency of the Pad-Computer to rotate        within its harness and hang vertically.    -   The prior art carriers block access to data ports and controls        that are located along the sides of the P-C.    -   The prior art carriers are bulky and intrusively visible,        thereby detracting from the minimalist appearance and minimal        weight of a P-C.    -   The prior art carrier's wearable harness cannot be conveniently        and unobtrusively stored when not in use.    -   The prior art carriers don't protect the Pad-Computer against        inadvertent dropping.

It is the goal of the present invention to provide a wearable P-Ccarrier that eliminates many of the above mentioned drawbacks.

The invention in its general form will first be described, and then itsimplementation in terms of specific embodiments will be detailed withreference to the drawings following hereafter. These embodiments areintended to demonstrate the principle of the invention, and the mannerof its implementation. The invention in its broadest and more specificforms will then be further described, and defined, in each of theindividual claims which conclude this Specification.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention addresses a support for a portable computer, andpreferably a portable computer in “pad” format, to be operated by a userwhich comprises a body support member by which the weight of thecomputer may be carried by the upper body of a user and a body proppingmember for positioning the computer outwardly from the torso of a user.A pad computer herein includes book readers and cell phone and othermicroelectronic devices which have a generally planar form factor andwhich provide a display on one of two face surfaces. A computersupported by the invention can also serve as a body-mounted portabletable surface for writing or drawing. In all cases, the supported objectis of a generally rectilinear, planar format and carries a workingsurface on one of its two face surfaces.

In one version of the invention the body propping member is a strutassembly having two arms which can deploy extendable ends from storagepositions along the side edges of the computer for engagement with thetorso of a user. The body support member in the form of straps, cords orthe like (hereafter “straps”) connects to these two respective arms tocarry the weight of a computer. In particular the body support membercarries the weight of the computer through coupling points where thesupport connection is made to these two arms.

In another version of the invention the body propping member ispositioned beneath the computer and connected to the computer through acomputer backing plate which allows the body propping member to bedeployed outwardly towards the user. In this configuration a singlestrut may be moved from a stored position where the single strut liesbeneath the computer to a deployed configuration wherein the singlestrut extends outwardly beyond a lower transverse edge of the computerfor contacting with the torso of the user. This strut may be hinged toswing into position; or such a strut may be slidingly deployed.

Relying on the ability of a gravity-sensitive pad computer to invert thedisplay, by inverting the combined computer and support, the singlestrut can be used to support the computer when placed on a desktop.

The body propping member in this variant connects to the outer lateralends of the computer backing plate at coupling points to carry theweight of a computer

For purposes of establishing a balanced equilibrium the connection ofthe body propping member to the respective coupling points is preferablymade along a line that will pass through or near the combined center ofgravity of the computer and body propping member together when acomputer is being carried by the support assembly. In cases where thebody propping member can occupy respectively a deployed positionoutwardly from the computer and a parked position closer to thecomputer, this condition of balanced equilibrium is desired when thepropping member is deployed. When the propping member is parked, it ispreferable for the computer and its support assembly to assume apendulous orientation. It is therefore desirable for the coupling pointsto be established accordingly.

Positioning the coupling points in approximate alignment with the centerof mass of the computer+body propping member combination serves tominimize the torque developed by the weight of the computer and proppingmember combination in interacting with the body support member and thecontact of the strut assembly with the body torso when the proppingmember is deployed. This alignment need not be perfect as the bodycontacting portion of the body propping member can provide acounter-acting torque through its frictional engagement with the body ofthe user. It is sufficient to reduce this torque to a level where thisfrictional engagement can be maintained with a minimal or acceptabletendency for the body propping member to slip in its contact with thetorso of a user.

To enhance this objective, the body contacting surface of the bodypropping member can be provided with an anti-slip finish. This may be inthe form of a rubber bumper for frictionally engaging the torso of theuser. Preferably this contacting surface is curved for more intimate ormore comfortable engagement with the torso of a user.

As one variant of the invention a propping support for a computer can beprovided by two free arms carried by fixtures formed on the lateral sideedges of a computer or connected to the outer ends of a backing platefor a computer. The backing plate may carry such free arms throughedge-mounted tubes, tracks or linear guides located on the lateral sidesof the computer or backing plate which allow the arms to be slid forstorage alongside such lateral sides. Alternately the free arms may berotationally coupled to the computer or backing plate. Advantageously,the ability of rotational arms to move out of planar alignment with thecomputer exposes access to computer ports along the edge of thecomputer.

A backing plate when present can carry the computer connections thatallow the two movable arms to be connected to a computer and indirectlythe coupling points where the body support member connects to thesupport of the invention.

According to another variant the two arms are joined by a connectingmember or “bridge” positioned at the respective first, extendable, endsof each arm, outwardly from the location of the computer or backingplate to provide a unitary U-shaped body propping member or “U-shapedstrut assembly” or “U-shaped swing arms”. The other, second, ends ofeach arm are spaced apart for connection to opposite sides of a portablecomputer or backing plate when positioned there between. This forms aU-shaped support assembly that allows a computer to be supported forwardof the central torso of the user. In this variant the bridge may bedeployed outwardly from the computer either by a sliding action or byrotation.

The bridge may have a concavely curved contacting surface to provide amore intimate or more comfortable engagement with the torso of a user.The inside surface of this curve can carry the anti-slip finish.

The corner connections between the arms and the bridge may be resilientso that, without the computer present the arms are angled inwardly asproceeding towards their second ends, but can be resiliently spread,apart to receive and grasp a computer there between. Additionally, thearms may be curved outwardly where the arms meet the bridge to improvesuch resilience and to provide additional protection to the computeragainst being dropped, beyond that provided by having the U-shaped strutassembly present around a portion of its perimeter.

In the case of the U-shaped strut assembly the connection to thecomputer is preferably effected through pivoting connectors that allowthe arms to rotate with respect to the body of the computer, whenpresent. This permits the U-shaped strut assembly to be swung from anoperating configuration wherein the bridge of the strut assembly isoutwardly spaced from the computer on the user side of the computer, toa reverse location where the bridge is parked close to or adjacent tothe edge of the computer which is remote from the body of a user. Thislatter configuration, particularly when the bridge is co-planar with thecomputer, is useful for purposes of storage.

According to a preferred feature of the U-shaped strut assembly, whenthis assembly is connected to a computer the bridge is located at aposition with respect to the pivoting connectors whereby the bridge iscloser to the computer when in the storage position than when in theoperating position. In this storage position, the computer and supportassembly should tend to form a pendulous orientation when suspended fromthe body support member.

Correspondingly, when this assembly is connected to a computer with, asindicated earlier, the coupling points for the body support member tothe respective arms being located along a line that will pass through ornear the combined center of gravity of the computer plus the supportassembly, this combination will tend to assume a more nearly balancedequilibrium. This will make the computer, or supported table whenemployed, more stable when in use.

The pivoting connectors may also permit the arms, and bridge whenpresent, to be positioned at preferred orientations intermediate the twoco-planar limits. Conveniently, the pivoting connectors may havedétentes, stops or other locking means that permit the arms and/orbridge to be disengageably fixed at least some of these preferredlocations. For example, locking may be effected through use of africtional or clamping connection that, when engaged, will eliminate thetendency of the arms or strut assembly to rotate with respect to thecomputer. This will permit a wide range of locked orientations to beestablished. A preferred locking mechanism is a key and keyway,particularly where the keyway is of a cruciform configuration. This willprovide in the latter case a series of locked orientations at 90° fromeach other.

These locking means permit the arms or strut assembly to be positionedand detachably locked in discreet orientations with respect to thecomputer. Fixing the arms or bridge at an intermediate location can beused to prop the computer on a support surface, allowing it to beinclined at an angle which is convenient for viewing and/or operation bya user.

In use, the independent arms or U-shaped strut assembly may bepositioned at 180° from the parked location, but adoption of a precisetransfer angle of 180° is not essential. In use, the computer can bepositioned out of co-planar alignment with the arms or U-shaped swingarm as by using a frictional or spline connector. However, by adjustingthe extension of the body support member as described further below,equivalent adjustments to the orientation of the computer when in usecan be obtained.

As previously indicated the coupling points for the body support memberor staps are preferably positioned along a transverse line spanning thewidth of the computer which is proximate to or in approximate alignmentwith the center of mass of the combined computer plus strut assemblywhen opened into its operative configuration. The advantages ofpositioning these coupling points with respect to the center of gravityof the computer and U-shaped support assembly have previously beenaddressed. The positioning of these coupling points with respect to thepivoting connection with the computer will now be addressed.

These coupling points can generally be located at any positioncorresponding to the lateral edges of a computer to be held in thecomputer support assembly, preferably inboard of the transverse upperand lower ends or margins of a computer, so long as there is sufficientfrictional engagement of the propping member with the torso of a user.Such coupling points are, in the case of a separate arms or a U-shapedstrut assembly, preferably positioned at locations on each arm which,with respect to either the pivoting or sliding computer connectors, areremote from the bridge member. For this purpose, the arms may beprovided with stub extensions or end portions that extend past thecomputer connectors on the side of such connections opposite to theextendable ends. Having the coupling points inboard of the transverseupper and lower ends or margins of a computer improves the balance whenthe body propping member is deployed for use.

According to one variant such stub extensions or end portions are in theform of aligned extension to the arms which extend past the computerconnections between the arms and the computer. These extensions allowthe ends of the body support member to be each connected to an arm onthe side of the computer connection that is remote from the bridge.Connecting the body support member to the these stub extensions at sucha location still allows the carrying force of the neck strap to belocated near the line which provides a balance point for thecomputer+propping member combination when the computer is being used inits stand-off position. At the same time, being connected at thislocation when the arms or the U-shaped swing arm are rotated to a parkedlocation automatically transfers the body support member coupling pointsto a location closer to the transverse edge of the computer. Thisprovides a more stable, pendulous, hanging orientation when the computeris suspended beside the torso of a user, hung from the body supportmember.

The stub extensions as described are in linear alignment with the armsin one variant. Extensions may also be provided to the arms in eitherthe upwardly or outwardly directions to adjust the location of thecoupling points between the body support member and the arms. Hingedupwardly extending extensions may align with the body supportmember/strapping, functioning equivalently to being a portion of suchstrapping. Hinged or otherwise deployable outwardly extending extensionscan function to spread the coupling points out laterally, improvingmanual access to the computer. Any extensions of this type may also beconsidered as forming part of the arms.

The stub extensions may also provide advantageous support in orienting acomputer when it is being propped on a desk surface as described furtherbelow.

The engagement of arms or the U-shaped strut assembly to a computer maybe provided through insertion of a fastener into a hole in the side of acomputer whereby the respective arms are attached to the computer onboth sides. This is a preferred arrangement where a computer isspecifically manufactured in anticipation of receiving a computersupport according to the invention. Alternately, this engagement may beeffected through clamps that embrace the upper and lower faces of acomputer along the respective sides where the connection is effected. Inthis case, the invention may be applied to a standard computer which hasnot been manufactured in anticipation of use with a computer support asdescribed.

In the latter case and even optionally as reinforcement for aspecifically manufactured computer, a backing plate may extend betweenand join-up with the respective connectors. When present, such a backingplate is dimensioned and shaped to underlie the bottom face surface ofthe computer. When employed this backing plate can carry respective sideedge clamps for engaging with the computer. Preferably, soft contacting,e.g. rubber, pads are provided between these edge clamps and thecomputer. The arms may be connected to the backing plate at the outerends of this backing plate with the other parts of the backing platebeing connected to a computer and thereby providing the overall computerconnection.

To provide for fixing the arms or U-shaped swing arm at multiple angularorientations with respect to a computer, the pivoting connection betweenthe arms and the computer may be provided with a combination key andkeyway connector combination or fitting.

The arms in the case of a U-shaped strut assembly are preferably of amaterial and shaped and dimensioned to be inwardly spring biased forclosing on the backing plate or computer when these items are positionedbetween the arms. The separations between the respective arms and thelateral sides of the backing plate or computer may be spaced apart by akeyway connector assembly located between these parts. Conveniently, thepresence of such a connector assembly may provide a “graspable gap” orclearance of approximately one centimeter between the arms and thelateral edges of a computer located between the arms. This permits thecomputer to swing past the fingers of a user holding the arms apartwhile the computer changes its orientation. This also provides agraspable gap for picking up the computer by one of the arms. Theelastic bias of the arms to close together should preferably besufficiently strong to maintain engagement of the keyway connectionsduring such handling.

When a backing plate is employed this backing plate can either carry apair of keyways for engaging with complimentary keys carried on the endsof the arms; or the backing plate can carry the keys which engage with apair of key ways fixed preferably near, but short of, the ends of thearms which provide the coupling points. The inward biasing of the armsin the case where a bridge is present will serve to automatically engagekeys into their respective key ways when they are in rotationalalignment. The arms can be elastically spread apart to disengage thekeys from their keyways and allow rotation of the computer within theU-shaped strut assembly. Without the bridge, resilient spring means canbe included within the individual computer connections to achieve thesame effect.

While multiple angular orientations may be provided through use of akeyway coupling, the keyway may preferably be cruciform in shape toprovide four fixed orientations for the arms. In two of theseorientations the arms, and bridge when present, are co-planar with thecomputer; and in two further cases the arms are perpendicular to thecomputer. The backing plate or computer can carry the cruciform with thekeyway being present on the arms; or the cruciform can, more preferably,be carried on the arms engaging with the keyway. In the latter case,with a backing plate present, the keys can be supported by the backingplate and positioned adjacent to the lateral edge of the computer.

In an alternate version which relies on the computer itself to providethe function of the backing plate, the backing plate can be omitted.This is appropriate to a case where the computer is pre-manufactured tobe coupled to the support of the invention. In this case lateral edgesof the computer can serve as a key for engaging a keyway carried on theaims of the swing arm. Alternately, in this integrated version, thecomputer edges can be manufactured with recesses which provide thekeyways or to provide protruding keys.

In either case in an integrated version, a mere hole on the side edge ofthe computer can be used to support the rotational connection betweenthe swing arms and the computer. This hole can be designed to receive athreaded fastener or a bayonet-type faster (preferred).

The arms not only serve as a standoff for propping the computeroutwardly from the torso of a user, but can, also double as a prop forproviding multiple support positions for a computer on a desktop:shallow-angle landscape orientation, steep-angle landscape orientation,and upright, steep-angle portrait orientation.

The stub extensions when oriented at 90° from the plane of the computerallow a shallow propping of the computer on a desk surface for typing.The longer length of the arms when similarly oriented provides uprightpropping of the computer for viewing. Rotated into portrait mode, one ofthe outward extending arms can also serve as a prop for an uprightdisplay in portrait mode. However an improved portrait presentation canbe obtained when an accessory foot plate is attached to one of the armswhen the swing arm is parked in its storage location.

An accessory foot plate that engages an underlying arm when in itsco-planar, parked, positioned increases the stability for supporting thecomputer in a portrait orientation. The footplate has a horizontallyaligned slot for receiving and engaging an arm which is preferably inthe form of a flat, rigid, strap. When the accessory foot plate is usedto hold the computer in portrait view, with the arm in the plane of thecomputer, the footplate engages the arm centrally for balanced supportof the computer.

The bridge on the U-shaped support assembly can be used, particularlywhen it is curved slightly outwardly at its corners where the arms meetthe bridge, to provide a 2 point support for wall hanging.

In conjunction with the above features, the body support member may alsobe adjustable to permit a user to raise or lower the vertical locationsof the two ends of the strap. The body hanging support may be providedin two versions, e.g. as a neck strap and in the form of a back strap.

According to one variant, the neck strap may be composed of two piecesof linear material, such as nylon parachute-quality cord or the like,(hereafter all referred to as “straps”), that pass each other whencrossing behind the neck of the user to respectively terminate on thefront side of the torso of a user. In this version one end of each strapportion is connected to support the computer at a coupling point. Therespective lengths of the portions of this composite strap may then bedimensioned to pass around the back of the neck of a user with theirother ends terminating at special end connectors located proximate tothe chest of the user.

These connectors are preferably compression-actuated clamps whicheffect, through a compression-actuated button, a sliding/lockingengagement between the respective ends of one of the composite strapsand an adjacent mid-portion of the other strap. Adjusting thepositioning of the end connectors will adjust the vertical locations ofthe two computer-supporting ends of the strap portions, provided thestrap portions are allowed to slide as they pass around the back of theneck of a user.

For the convenience of the user, the multiple strap portions may becontained within a protective sleeve at least for the sections alongtheir lengths where such respective portions pass around the back of theneck of the user. The use of such a sleeve isolates any sliding actionby the strap portions from rubbing against the clothing or body of awearer.

When passing around the neck of the user, the neck strap portions arecontained in a sleeve. Preferably the sleeve is bifurcated to providetwo separate channels within which the neck strap portions mayindependently slide. The inside surface of the channels can be of a lowsliding resistance material.

To further stabilize the computer support, particularly when the user isespecially active as in walking rapidly or turning suddenly, aquick-attachment waist strap may be employed. This waist strap,preferably of a elastically extensible material, is placed around theback of a user at the level of his waist with its two ends detachablyfastened as by hooking or otherwise to the outer corners of the U-shapedstrut assembly where the arms join the bridge. This anchors the bridgein place against the torso of a user providing the desired increasedstability.

As described so far, support for a computer has been provided by strapspassing around the neck of a user. As an alternate form of support anauxiliary shoulder harness may be provided that relieves strain on theuser's neck. This alternate support may be useful where a user isrequired to carry a computer for long periods of time.

In the configuration for the alternate shoulder harness the equivalentof two straps are provided, each strap being dimensioned to pass overthe shoulder of a user on one side, cross over the back proceedingdownwardly and then to pass forwardly under the armpit of a user forconnection to a computer. In this case, four strap ends are availablefor connection to the computer. Alternately, the body support straps maybe formed of a single length wherein on each side of the user acontinuous loop comes down from over the shoulder and returns under anarmpit of a user.

These descending loops may then be hooked on the each side of thecomputer around the end of an arm and/or stub extension when present toprovide support for the computer. This permits these two connectionpoints to at least be proximate to the transverse line passing throughthe center of mass of the computer with the corresponding benefits ofminimizing torque. Alternately, connections can be made to the arm stubextensions at the coupling points used by a neck strap.

Conveniently, the neck strap support may remain in place when theshoulder harness is being fitted or employed. This allows for the safetethering of the computer while manipulating the shoulder harness intoplace.

The computer support system can conveniently be integrated with astorage bag for the computer and support assembly. The bag has a cornernotch along its upper folding edge where a flap folds over to effectclosure. This allows access for the neck strap to extend into the bagwhere it is connected to and continues to support the computer whenplaced in the storage bag.

When the computer is in use with the body propping member deployed, thebag may remain tethered to the arms by short flexible tethers which areable to hang on the arms at the extendable ends of the arms, or slidebetween positions either adjacent to the extendable ends or adjacent tothe pivot point on the computer connection.

A backing plate may support a turntable that can carry a smallerdimensioned computer, e.g. an iPhone, micro-computer or similar device.Such a smaller computer can be fastened to the backing plate throughgrasping fingers that extend outwardly from the backing plate and curlaround the edges of the smaller computer to hold it in place.Alternately, for a permanent arrangement, such a computer may beadhesively attached to the backing plate.

Rather than attaching the computer directly to the backing plate, thecomputer can be fastened to a turntable which, in turn, is rotationallyconnected to the backing plate. By providing such a turntable,particularly with suitable détentes or stops for positioning theturntable at preferred orientations, a computer may be supported on thebacking plate in either landscape or portrait orientation.

The turntable, although preferably centrally located with respect to thelateral edges of the backing plate, is not necessarily centered on thebacking plate with respect to its upper and lower edges. Rather, thisturntable can be centered on a midpoint extension from the backing platewhich is displaced outwardly from the upper edge of the backing plate.This central extension on the backing plate can help adjust the balancepoint for the combined micro-computer and support assembly. Thisextension can also shift a small tablet computer or iPhone upwardly andoutwardly away from a user for greater convenience of use. This type ofsupport may be especially convenient for someone who is reclining.

A further backing plate based version of the computer support of theinvention is particularly adapted for use with smaller microcomputers,iPhone-type devices, book readers and cases where the user wishes to usethe support in a reclining condition. The electronic device to besupported is carried by the backing plate in the manner as previouslydescribed although the connection to the backing plate need not be,though permissively may be, a pivotal connection.

This variant provides two optionally free arms connected by a backingplate that spans between the two free arms to collectively serve as abody propping member. The backing plate carries these free arms throughedge-mounted tubes or the like located on the lateral sides of thebacking plate which serve as tracks or guides and allow the arms to beslid for storage alongside such lateral sides.

This support for a micro-computer can have arms which are parallel.Alternately, the arms may extend from the outer lateral sides of thetransverse computer backing plate towards the body of the user atdiverging angles. These arms preferably end with their extendable endsfitted with ball-shaped frictional cushions for the comfort of the userand for frictional engagement with the body of the user.

The body support member in the form of either a neck strap or back strapengages with the outer side edges of the backing plate at couplingpoints along such edges. In the case of the smaller and lighterelectronic devices, location of this coupling point with respect to thecenter of mass of such devices and the body propping member is of lessimportance, particularly when the lengths of the side edges are notsubstantial. Additionally, this connection need not be, thoughpermissively may be, a pivotal connection.

A flexible elastic link can be fitted to extend between the bodycontacting extendable end portions of the body-contacting arms forimproved frictional body engagement. Such a link can be removable andneed not serve to constrain the respective alignments of thebody-contacting arms.

A further feature of the invention may be effected with a computer orbacking plate which is unsatisfactorily narrow in transverse dimension.This may cause some inconvenience in manually accessing the instrumentbeing supported and may reduce the rotational stability of the supportwhen a wearer turns suddenly about a vertical axis. Both of theseconditions can be ameliorated by displacing the coupling point betweenthe body support member and the computer or backing plate when presentlaterally outward from the sides of the computer or backing plate.

This arrangement can be accomplished by providing behind the computer,adjacent to or as part of the backing plate when present a linearspreader member with strap coupling points such as notches at its outerends. The function of the strap coupling points provided by the spreaderis to effect a routing of the body support member laterally outwardlyfrom the sides of the computer or backing plate to provide the improvedaccess and rotational stability.

As this spreader member when of linear proportions is prospectivelylonger than the widths of either the backing plate or computer, when itis desired to use such a spreader in conjunction with a storage bag, thespreader may be collapsible in its length as by folding, telescopicsliding a disassembly into two portions to reduce its dimension to thepoint where it will fit in the storage bag.

A similar function may be provided by employing outwardly extendableterminal portions to the arms which carry the coupling points. Theseterminal portions may be hinged to the arms so that their ends may bedeployed outwardly, and temporarily fixed so as to extend laterally froma computer or backing plate in a manner similar to the spreader.

According to a further configuration of the invention which takesadvantage of the gravity-sensing capacity of a pad computer, a neckstrap is employed as the body support member and the computer is wornwith the bridge of the U-shaped strut assembly located in its parkedposition. A user places the neck strap over one shoulder with the looppassing around their head, other shoulder and arm. This places thecomputer beneath one arm where it can be easily shifted to the backsideof the user's hip or to the front portion of their torso, similarly tothe wearing of a lady's purse.

In this mode because the U-shaped strut assembly is maintained in itsparked position, this causes the computer to hang spontaneously in apendulous orientation. In this position, the computer may carry adisplay, in upright orientation, which serves as a billboard foradvertising. For quick use, without deploying the bridge to its extendedposition, the computer may be placed against the forward torso of theuser optionally on one hip partially towards the armpit under which thecomputer has been stored. The body support member remains coupled to thecomputer in the usual manner and the computer maintains its bridge inthe parked configuration. With the bridge positioned against a user'sbody the computer is shifted from the pendulous orientation to ahorizontal orientation by rotating the computer and simultaneouslycausing the display to re-orient by 180 degrees for normal viewing anduse.

Because the bridge carries a frictional contact surface, it is notlikely to be displaced particularly when partially held by one hand ofthe user. The body support members, and their adjustability features,allow the computer to be used for short notations. Rotation of thecomputer into portrait mode is also possible by extending one of the 2neck strap portions to a greater length than the other.

The ability of the computer to be used in this mode, either in landscapeor portrait presentation, is supported by the computer being of the typewherein the computer image automatically rotates in accordance with anorientation sensor to make the image up-right for a user.

In another variant, the computer support is a “sleeve” type casecomprised of a rigid or semi-rigid backing plate that carries peripherygripping means to form a protective box-like enclosure around the sidesof a tablet computer (PC). A top aperture in the sleeve case is providedthrough which a PC can be inserted or removed and a panel folds over thetop aperture to close it. The closure panel is connected to the backingplate along a hinge line to allow the panel to be folded over the screenof the PC for protective storage or unfolded to expose the PC for use orfor its removal from the sleeve.

A body stand-off spacer may be detachably affixed to the sleeve alongits bottom edge for engaging with a user's torso and thereby space thePC away from a user's torso when worn. A neckstrap is provided fordetachable connection to the backing plate at two spaced apart couplingpoints. A deployable propping structure supports the sleeve on a desktopsuch that the enclosed computer is elevated for ease of viewing.

Incorporation by Reference

This disclosure has been filed as part of an application which claimspriority from earlier patent filings. Priority is claimed in respect ofthe following earlier Canadian filings: CA 2,736,642 filed Apr. 11,2011; CA 2,740,909 filed May 17, 2011, and CA 2,759,096 filed Nov. 21,2011.

The applicant hereby incorporates by reference all elements referred toin Articles 11(1)(iii)(d) or (e) of the PCT and all parts of thedescription, claims or drawings referred to in Rule 20.5(a) of the Rulesunder the PCT not otherwise contained herein but which is or arecompletely contained in any of the earlier applications from whichpriority is claimed.

The foregoing summarizes the principal features of the invention andsome of its optional aspects. The invention may be further understood bythe description of the preferred embodiments, in conjunction with thedrawings, which now follow.

Wherever ranges of values are referenced within this specification,sub-ranges therein are intended to be included within the scope of theinvention unless otherwise indicated or are incompatible with such othervariants. Where characteristics are attributed to one or another variantof the invention, unless otherwise indicated, such characteristics areintended to apply to all other variants of the invention where suchcharacteristics are appropriate or compatible with such other variants.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1) illustrates a Pad-Computer (P-C) together with an exploded viewof the present invention; illustrating the carrier's majorsub-assemblies and their functional relationships.

FIG. 2 illustrates the P-C carrier of FIG. 1 assembled and affixed toits Pad-Computer and with its swingarm rotated to its fully-foldedposition for supporting the P-C flat on a tabletop.

FIG. 3 illustrates the P-C carrier configuration of FIG. 2 when hungonto a wall using hanging means provided in its swingarm.

FIG. 4 illustrates the P-C carrier with its swingarm rotated and lockedat a shallow angle for supporting the P-C with its virtual keyboarddisplayed in landscape mode and positioned for typing efficiency on adesktop.

FIG. 5 illustrates the P-C carrier configuration of FIG. 4 rotated andplaced on a tabletop at a steep angle for optimal viewing of the P-C'stouch screen in landscape mode.

FIG. 6 illustrates the P-C carrier configuration of FIG. 4 beingsecurely gripped by its user for mobile viewing of the P-C's touchscreen in portrait orientation.

FIG. 7 illustrates the P-C carrier with its swingarm rotated and lockedat an optimal angle for supporting the P-C in portrait orientation on adesktop.

FIG. 8 illustrates the P-C carrier with its swingarm unfolded to presentits body-contact bar towards the user's abdomen and its neckstrapassembly secured near the unfolded assembly's balance point, therebyenabling the user to comfortably walk about while operating thePad-Computer with both hands.

FIG. 9 illustrates the P-C carrier configuration of FIG. 8 with itsswingarm and body-contact bar fully folded to shift the assembly'sbalance point such that the compact Pad-Computer hangs flat against theuser's abdomen during transport.

FIG. 10 illustrates the P-C carrier configuration of FIG. 9 with itsneckstrap lengthened for comfortably carrying the P-C while slung acrossthe user's shoulder.

FIG. 11 illustrates the P-C carrier configuration of FIG. 10 with anoptional accessory storage bag affixed over the P-C's touch screen

FIG. 12 illustrates the carrier configuration of FIG. 8 with an optionalback-strap securing the body-contact bar for more secure fit to the userduring exercise.

FIG. 13 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the swingarm's angularlock that uses a prop for added strength while typing on a desktop asshown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 14 illustrates details of how the accessory bag of FIG. 11 may beaffixed to the P-C, a positive-locking strap swivel as well as means forstoring the neckstrap unobtrusively when not in use.

FIG. 15 illustrates the use of a wrap-around baseplate or sleeve thatgrips around the P-C instead of using an adhesive film to secure thecarrier assembly to the P-C's bottom surface.

FIG. 16 illustrates a specially manufactured Pad Computer in which thehinge pivot and neckstrap swivel pivots of the present carrier inventionare molded integrally into the P-C's housing.

FIG. 17 illustrates a Pad-Computer (P-C) together with an exploded viewof an embodiment of the present invention that utilizes a U-shapedswingarm and abdominal contact bar.

FIG. 18 illustrates the P-C carrier of FIG. 17 assembled and affixed toits Pad-Computer and with its swing arm rotated to its storage position.

FIG. 19 illustrates the P-C carrier configuration of FIG. 18 when hungonto a wall.

FIG. 20 illustrates the P-C carrier with its U-shaped abdominal contactbar rotated for supporting the P-C at a shallow angle with its virtualkeyboard displayed in landscape mode for optimal typing efficiency on adesktop.

FIG. 21 illustrates the P-C carrier of FIG. 20 reconfigured and placedon a tabletop at a steep angle for viewing of the P-C's touch screen inlandscape mode.

FIG. 22 illustrates the P-C carrier configuration of FIG. 21 rotated andplaced on a tabletop at a different steep angle for viewing of the P-C'stouch screen in landscape mode.

FIG. 23 illustrates the P-C carrier configuration of FIG. 21 rotated forsupporting the P-C in portrait orientation on a desktop.

FIG. 24 illustrates the P-C carrier with its U-shaped swingarm unfoldedto enable the user to comfortably walk about while operating thePad-Computer with both hands.

FIG. 25 illustrates the P-C carrier configuration of FIG. 24 with itsabdominal contact bar fully folded to shift the assembly's balance pointsuch that the compact Pad-Computer assembly hangs flat against theuser's abdomen during transport.

FIG. 26 illustrates the P-C carrier configuration of FIG. 25 with itsneck strap lengthened for comfortably carrying the P-C while slungacross the user's shoulder.

FIG. 27 illustrates the P-C carrier configuration of FIG. 26 with anoptional accessory storage bag affixed over the P-C's touch screen.

FIG. 28 illustrates a Pad-Computer (P-C) together with an exploded viewof an embodiment of the present invention that utilizes a U-shapedswingarm mechanism that is integrated directly into the case of a newlymanufactured P-C instead of being affixed onto the case of an existingP-C.

FIG. 29 illustrates details of the embodiment shown in FIG. 28.

FIG. 30 illustrates a general-purpose embodiment of the invention thataffixes to smaller P-Cs such as “Smart Phones”.

FIG. 31 illustrates an embodiment of the invention that utilizes asliding U-shaped handle to enable the wearing function of a swingarm.

FIG. 32 illustrates various construction details of a preferredembodiment of the PC carrier that is easily manufactured.

FIG. 33 illustrates a user wearing the Pad-Computer (PC) and PC carrierof the present invention; said assembly being transported inside adetachable, tethered bag.

FIG. 34 illustrates the bag assembly of FIG. 33 when partiallyre-configured for operating the PC.

FIG. 35 illustrates the assembly of FIG. 34 after the carrier has beenopened for mobile use of the PC.

FIG. 36 illustrates the use of an auxiliary shoulder harness whichtransfers the weight from the user's neck onto their shoulders.

FIG. 37 illustrates a plan view of the shoulder harness of FIG. 36.

FIG. 38 illustrates a back view of the shoulder harness of FIG. 36 whenbeing worn.

FIG. 39 illustrates a side view of the shoulder harness of FIG. 36 whenbeing worn.

FIG. 40 illustrates an OEM embodiment similar to that shown in FIG. 28wherein the swingarm pivot-pin is threaded into the PC's case.

FIG. 41 illustrates an OEM embodiment integrated to a thinner PadComputer than shown in FIG. 40.

FIG. 42 illustrates the carrier hung onto a wall in landscapeorientation.

FIG. 43 illustrates the carrier hung onto a wall in portraitorientation.

FIG. 44 illustrates the carrier supported on a desktop on portraitorientation using an accessory stand that grips onto its swingarm.

FIG. 45 illustrates the OEM embodiment of FIG. 41 when configured forintegration with a smaller Pad Computer.

FIG. 46 illustrates the OEM embodiment of FIG. 45 when used inconjunction with a neckstrap spreader to increase touch screen'saccessibility

FIG. 47 illustrates an embodiment that incorporates a turntable similarto that shown in FIG. 30 and a retracting body-standoff similar to thatshown in FIG. 31.

FIG. 48 illustrates an alternate wearing mode that enables fasterdeployment at the expense of poorer ergonomics.

FIG. 49 illustrates an alternate embodiment that enables elevatedpositioning of the PC when stood on a desktop as well as providing adetachable neckstrap, a detachable body propping member and anintegrated screen protector.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates a typical Pad-Computer 1 together with an explodedview of the present invention (P-C carrier assembly 2). The particularP-C shown in FIG. 1 has the shape and dimensions of an Apple iPad™however similar Pad-Computers from other manufacturers are equallysuitable for use with the present invention. Typical Pad-Computer 1 hasa rectangular, tablet shape with a short side 6 and a long side 7thereby enabling data to be, displayed in either a tall “portrait mode”or a wide “landscape mode” on its touch screen 9 (not visible in thisoblique bottom view). A virtual keyboard 10 may be displayed along anyof the four sides of touch screen 9 (also not visible).

A plurality of data ports 8 (such as a data transfer connector, astorage media slot, a speaker, a microphone, a camera, a headphone jack,a volume control, a display mode switch etc) are disposed along the foursides of P-C 1 and these data ports must not be obstructed by anyportion of carrier assembly 2. A natural axis of rotation 11 exists thatruns through the P-C's center of gravity and is parallel to its longer“landscape mode” edge 7. This rotational axis 11 is referenced belowwhen describing various configurations of the P-C carrier 2.

Carrier 2 is comprised of swingarm assembly 4 and neckstrap assembly 5;each rotationally mounted to baseplate 3. Baseplate 3 is securelyaffixed to the bottom surface of Pad-Computer 1 by double-sided adhesivebonding membrane 12. Various industrial adhesive products such as “3MVHB™” tape can be used to provide a suitable bond between P-C 1 and itscarrier 2. “3M Velcro™” is another type of lightweight, unobtrusivebonding membrane 12 that enables carrier 2 to be operatively affixed toP-C 1 without obstructing any of its data ports 9.

Carrier 2 is comprised of swingarm assembly 4 (also referred to as a“body propping member”) and neckstrap assembly 5 (also referred to as a‘body support member”); each rotationally mounted to baseplate 3.Baseplate 3 (also referred to as “back plate” or “backing plate”) issecurely affixed to the bottom surface of Pad-Computer 1 by double-sidedadhesive bonding membrane 12. Various industrial adhesive products suchas “3M VHB™” tape can be used to provide a suitable bond between P-C 1and its carrier 2. “3M Velcro™” is another type of lightweight,unobtrusive bonding membrane 12 that enables carrier 2 to be operativelyaffixed to P-C 1 without obstructing any of its data ports 9.

Baseplate 3 is a stiff thin rectangular plate having a length and widththat substantially covers the half portion of Pad-Computer 1's bottomsurface adjacent to a long side T. Baseplate 3 is typically formed ofhigh-strength plastid however metal may also be used. The particular P-Cshown in FIG. 1 has a flat bottom which dictates that baseplate 3 alsobe flat in order for double-sided adhesive membrane 12 to mateeffectively. Other Pad-Computers may have a slightly curved bottomsurface, in which case baseplate 3 is molded to conform to its shape forbonding that effectively integrates said baseplate to the lower casesurface of said Pad-Computer.

Hinge boss 13 protrudes from the exposed lower surface of baseplate 3and is formed approximately midway along said baseplate's front edge(nearest the user). Hinge bore 14 is parallel to axis 11 and receiveshinge pin 26 to rotateably mate swingarm assembly 4 to carrier 2 viabaseplate 3. The mating surface 15 of hinge boss 13 may be textured witha plurality of radial detent ribs for increased rotational friction.

Swingarm assembly 4 is comprised of swingarm 20, said arm having a hingeboss 24 formed at one end for rotational, friction mating to hinge boss13 of baseplate 3. The distal end of swingarm 20 mounts abdominalcontact bar 21 which, when unfolded as shown, supports P-C 1 away fromthe user. Abdominal contact bar 21 is curved for ergonomic contact ontothe curve of a typical user's abdomen and may include fiction ribs 22 tohelp prevent vertical slippage. Alternatively, the surface of contactbar 21 may be covered with dense foam that is both comfortable to grip(see FIG. 6) and adheres well to the user's clothing so as to resistinadvertent shifting of the carrier's orientation while being worn (seeFIG. 8). Aperture 23 may be provided on spar 20 adjacent to contact bar21 to provide a finger-hole that facilitates secure gripping of the P-C(see FIG. 6). Aperture 23 also enables hanging the P-C onto a wall (seeFIG. 3).

Hinge boss 24 includes hinge-pin bore 25 which for convenience may beformed to accommodate a standard bolt 26 that thereby acts both as ahinge-pin in bore 14 of baseplate 3 as well as providing a threaded endportion for engagement into friction adjustment knob 30. A decorativecap 27 may be used to hide the bolt-head of hinge-pin bolt 26.Alternatively, a custom hinge-pin 26 may be over-molded directly intohinge boss 24 during injection molding of spar 20 (not illustrated).

When carrier 2 is assembled as illustrated in subsequent Figures,friction surface 15 of baseplate 3 mates against its correspondingfrictional surface 39 on hinge boss 24 (not visible in this Figure)thereby permitting swing arm 4 to pivot about hinge-pin 26. The usertightens or loosens friction adjustment knob 30 to squeeze hinge boss 24against hinge boss 13, thereby locking swingarm 4 at any angularposition. Four swingarm angular positions enable various modes asfollows:

Swingarm Position 1:

Locked fully folded for either flat storage on a tabletop (see FIG. 2)or for hanging on a wall (see FIG. 3).

Swingarm Position 2:

Locked at a slightly unfolded angle such that it enables the followingthree usages:

1) Support of the P-C at a comfortable incline while typing on it inlandscape mode on a tabletop (see FIG. 4),2) Support of the P-C at a steep incline for viewing in landscape modeon a tabletop (see FIG. 5),3) Gripping the P-C in portrait orientation (see FIG. 6).

Swingarm Position 3:

Locked at a somewhat more unfolded angle such that it enables a tip ofabdominal contact bar 21 to stably support the P-C in portrait mode on atabletop (see FIG. 7).

Swingarm Position 4:

Locked at a completely unfolded angle such that abdominal contact bar 21is presented towards the user for hands free mobile operation (see FIG.8)

In the simplest embodiment of swingarm assembly 4, both the (optional)rubber washer 28 and (optional) thrust bearing 29 are omitted, therebyallowing frictional surface 39 to mate directly against frictionalsurface 15. This hinge configuration enables rigid angular locking asthe swingarm boss 24 and the baseplate boss 13 are squeezed together bythreaded knob 30 (particularly if radial detents are provided on the twomating surface). The drawback of this simple locking mechanism is thatthe user is required to loosen then tighten knob 30 each time they wishto change the swingarm's position to another of the four usage-modepositions described above.

Three hinge enhancements may be provided to improve efficiency of theswingarm's locking mechanism:

1) Rubber washer 28 may be inserted in between mating surface 15 andmating surface 39, thereby providing a smoother and more adjustablefriction between the two hinge halves. This enables the user can morereadily set the resistance to one that performs well at all four of theangular positions described above. The drawback of this somewhatimproved frictional behavior is that; as the swingarm is swung back andforth, knob 30 will tend to loosen and thereby undo the user's desiredfriction setting.2) To prevent such inadvertent changes of the hinge's friction, alow-friction thrust-bearing 29 may be inserted between hinge boss 13 andadjustment knob 30, thereby isolating said threaded knob from anyloosening or tightening torque that might otherwise be generated byrepeated rotations of swingarm 20.3) To further facilitate controlling hinge friction, knob 30 may includean asymmetrical lever arm that projects radially from one side (notillustrated), said knob being configured such that the user can move itwith one finger to more easily adjust hinge friction (rather than havingto grip onto both sides of knob 30).

Other enhancements to swingarm assembly 4 are within the scope of thepresent invention and can be realized by those practiced in the art.

-   -   One enhancement example (not illustrated): the frictional        surfaces 15 and 39 may include a plurality of protrusions and        recesses that positively engage into each other at predefined        angles corresponding to the four angular conditions described        above. For example: detents could engage at: 0 degrees (fully        folded), 20 degrees (for typing on a desktop in landscape mode),        70 degrees (for propping onto a desktop in portrait display        mode) and 180 degrees (for wearing the P-C in its mobile usage        mode).    -   A second enhancement example (not illustrated): instead of using        knurled knob 30 to force surfaces 15 and 39 together for angular        locking, a “wavy washer” style of axial spring may be placed on        either side of bosses 24 and 13. The resulting spring force        would eliminate the need for adjustment knob 30 and a riveted        hinge-pin 26 could be used instead of a threaded one. The        resulting mechanism would work efficiently with the above-noted        angular detents because the user need only grasp swingarm 20 and        use it to draw, surfaces 15 and 39 apart until the detents        disengage and then swing the arm to its desired angular position        whereupon the axial springs will cause the detents to snap back        into locked engagement.    -   A third enhancement example (not illustrated): latching means        may be located near the opposite edge of baseplate 3 from hinge        boss 13, said latching means being configured to engage and lock        onto swingarm 20. This remote swingarm lock location has greater        geometric strength than one centered near bore 14 and thereby        provides a more secure means of retaining the arm in its        fully-folded position. This more robust locking of the arm is        useful when using carrier 2 in the modes shown in FIG. 3 and in        FIG. 6.    -   Yet a fourth enhancement example (this one visible in FIG. 1):        prop 49 pivoting from baseplate boss 50 is provided for        engagement into prop-socket 51 (see FIG. 13 for details).        Adjustable neckstrap assembly 5 is comprised of left swivel-pin        32, left L-shaped swivel 31, left neckstrap cord 33, left        cord-length adjuster 34, neck-cushion (see 45 in FIG. 8), right        cord-length adjuster (see 38 in FIG. 8), right neckstrap cord        37, right L-shaped swivel 35 and right swivel-pin 36. Left and        right swivel-pins 32 and 36 are selectively engaged into left        and right swivel-pin bores 17 and 19 on baseplate 3, thereby        enabling a user to wear the suspended Pad Computer as shown in        FIG. 8. The two connections between the neckstrap cords and the        carrier's baseplate or backing plate are referred to as        “coupling points”. Bores 17 and 19 are coaxial and parallel to        rotational axis 11. Bosses 16 and 18 are positioned with respect        to the user and to the rotational axis 11 such that good balance        and usability of P-C 1 is achieved in various wearing modes (see        FIG. 8 and FIG. 9).

Pins 32 and 36 typically are formed so as to have a slight interferencefit into their respective swivel attachment bores 17 and 19, therebypreventing them from inadvertently falling out during use. Thisinterference fit also demands that torque being applied in order forsaid swivels to rotate and this aids the user to configure the foldedcarrier at its optimal orientation for comfortable transport (see FIG.9).

Other enhanced embodiments to the swivel-pin's engagement into bore's 17and 19 are within the scope of the present invention. For example: FIG.14 illustrates a positive-locking means of retaining the swivels intheir swivel bores that uses a spring lever formed onto bosses 16 and18, each lever engaging into a retention groove formed in the swivelnear its swivel-pin. Another example (not illustrated): a pushbutton oneach L-shaped swivel that releases an internal positive engagementmechanism engaged into grooves inside their respective swivel bores 17and 19 (similar to the release mechanisms used in common 2-part keychainrings).

The neckstrap assembly 5 shown in FIG. 1 utilizes small diameter cordfor straps 33 and 37 (in conjunction with common, push-button, 2-hole“cord-lock-adjusters” 34 and 38). L-shaped swivel moldings 31 and 35 arealso very compact in order to provide a neckstrap that has an appearancein keeping with the small and sleek proportions of Pad-Computer 1. Thisminimalist neckstrap construction also has the functional advantage offacilitating configuration of a compact means for storing the neckstrapassembly when not in use (see FIG. 14). Conventional flat strap webbingand off-the-shelf strap length adjustment and attachment fittings mayalso be used to configure neckstrap 5 such that it can suspend P-C 1from suitably formed end swivels (not illustrated).

FIG. 2 illustrates the exploded P-C carrier 2 shown in FIG. 1 afterbeing assembled and affixed to its Pad-Computer 1. Swingarm or “bodypropping member” 20 is rotated to its fully-folded position thatsupports the P-C flat onto tabletop 40. This folded configurationprovides substantial shock and scratch protection; abdominal contact bar21 is folded flush against the back of P-C 1 and since its surface istypically covered with non-slip foam, it effectively absorbs shock ifthe P-C is dropped. A rubber bumper may also be included under hingeboss 13 to form a tripod of shock absorbent material that also providesa non-slip stance on tabletop 40 (see rubber bumper 57 in FIG. 14).

The upper surface of P-C 1 requires less shock protection than its lowersurface however a layer of clear protective film such as “3MScotchguard™ Paint Protection Film” may be provided and applied to fitover the upper surface of P-C 1, thereby invisibly protecting its touchscreen 9 against abrasion. Adhesive rubber bumpers that conform to theshape of the P-C may also be applied over each corner to further enhanceshock protection. Such corner-bumpers (not illustrated) also permit theP-C to be placed face-down on surfaces that might otherwise mar itssurface.

FIG. 3 illustrates P-C 1 and fully-folded carrier 2 stored onto wall 41in the same manner as a common picture frame or a painting. The carrieris able to be hung onto a wall in this manner by means of aperture 23pierced through swingarm 20, which is hung over nail 42 protruding fromsaid wall.

In the illustrated example of the present invention (which is sized toconform to the particular shape and dimensions of an Apple iPar™)carrier 2 is proportioned such that when viewed from within the room,the P-C hides all of the underlying carrier's components from view,thereby providing both a visually attractive and space efficient storagemeans for the P-C.

The illustrated example of carrier 2 utilizes a swingarm 20 that iscompletely hidden by P-C 1 during wall storage. However, when configuredto carry a smaller P-C (for example: the substantially smaller DellStreak™ or Blackberry Playbook™) swingarm 20 must be long enough thatabdominal contact bar 21 will protrude somewhat above the top edge ofP-C 1 (FIG. 8 illustrates the ergonomic requirements that dictate thisswingarm length). While somewhat less visually appealing than the fullyhidden wall-mount shown in FIG. 3, the upwardly protruding contact bar21 will still form an effective handhold for gripping as illustrated inFIG. 6. The security of this gripping mode could be further enhanced bythe swingarm locking configuration describe above under: “ A thirdenhancement example (not illustrated)”.

P-C 1 may also be wall-mounted upside-down with respect to theorientation shown in FIG. 3. To do so, hinge lock 30 is loosened andswingarm 20 is rotated 180 degrees to it fully-unfolded position (notillustrated). When aperture 23 is then hung onto nail 42, P-C 1 willhang like a pendulum with the carrier's swing arm extending above it.While somewhat less visually appealing than the fully hidden wall-mountshown in FIG. 3, this wall-mount configuration provides a very fastmethod of storing the P-C when appearance is not a priority. Forexample: the user shown in FIG. 8 can quickly remove their P-C fromaround their neck and hang it directly onto a wall without having tofirst fold its swingarm.

While wall-mounted at a convenient height, P-C 1 may also be activatedand used to accomplish a wide variety of computational tasks. Forexample: its touch screen 9 could display a large wall clock or apleasing slideshow of images. Alternatively, The P-C's virtual keyboard10 could be activated for textual data input or its microphone, speakerand camera could be used for VOIP telecommunications through a wirelessInternet connection. Wall-mounting near an electrical outlet alsoenables convenient charging of the P-C's internal batteries.

FIG. 4 illustrates the carrier of FIG. 2 with its swingarm 20 unfoldedand locked at a shallow angle. When positioned near the edge of tabletop40, a user can comfortably type on P-C 1's virtual keyboard 10. Thissame tilted configuration can also be used to support P-C 1 on theuser's lap (not illustrated). Since the weight of P-C 1 pressing ontoswingarm 20 at this shallow angle can generate substantial torque, anoptional prop member may be provided to prevent hinge slippage orbreakage (see FIG. 13).

FIG. 5 illustrates the P-C and carrier configuration of FIG. 4 afterbeing picked up, rotated 90 degrees and placed back onto tabletop 40.Touch screen 9 is thereby rotated from a shallow angle that's convenientfor typing to a steep angle that's optimal for certain softwareapplications such as watching videos. P-C 1's long side 7 is horizontalso that if virtual keyboard 10 is activated it will be wide enough fortwo-handed operation. However, since the keyboard is at too steep anangle for comfortable typing, an external wireless keyboard (notillustrated) is typically placed in front of it on tabletop 40 to enableefficient alphanumeric data input. A wireless mouse may also be employedto augment the ergonomic efficiency the touch screen's Graphical UserInterface.

Typically, angular adjustment lock 30 need not be actuated or adjustedwhen switching between the mode shown in FIG. 4 and that shown in FIG. 5because their inclination angles are quite complementary. If however thepresent invention is used to carry a P-C that is substantially smallerthan the Apple iPad™ (for example: the substantially smaller DellStreak™ or Blackberry Playbook™) then swingarm 20 will be too long topermit the tabletop support geometry shown in FIG. 5. In such cases, thedesired steep display angle can still be achieved by simply increasingthe locking angle of swingarm 20. For example: the approximately 15degree angle shown in FIG. 4 can be changed to approximately 75 degreesand thereby provide the same display geometry shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 illustrates the P-C carrier configuration shown in FIG. 4 andFIG. 5 being securely gripped by its user 43. The user's hand 44 isgrasped onto abdominal contact bar 21 such that the middle or indexfinger passes through the same aperture 23 that is used to hang the P-Conto a nail (see FIG. 3). Since the P-C's long side 7 is verticallyoriented a smaller “portrait mode” virtual keyboard 10 is displayed andwill automatically re-orient through 180 degrees if the user re-orientsthe carrier to grasp its contact bar 21 with their left hand instead oftheir right hand. The smaller, portrait-oriented virtual keyboard isadequate for mobile data input because the user only has one free handat any given time.

Secure mobile gripping of P-C 1 in landscape mode is also possible. Todo so, the user configures carrier 2 as shown in FIG. 4 except insteadof using a tabletop or their lap for support, they simply reachunderneath with either hand and grasp contact bar 21 such that hingecomponents 30, 13 and 24 are supported on their inner wrist (notillustrated).

FIG. 7 illustrates carrier 2 with its swingarm 20 and abdominal contactbar 21 rotated to an angle that's optimal for supporting P-C 1 ontabletop 40 in portrait orientation. The length of abdominal contact bar21 is configured so that either of its ends can be used to prop P-C 1onto a short edge 6 such that its touch screen 9 tilts at an angle thatprovides both good data visibility and good physical stability. Thisconfiguration holds touch screen 9 in “portrait” orientation and at anangle that's optimal for certain software applications such as forreading an “E-book” or for editing a word processing document. Since thesmall “portrait mode” virtual keyboard 10 is at too steep an angle forcomfortable typing, an external wireless keyboard may be placed ontabletop 40 to enable efficient alphanumeric data input (notillustrated). A wireless mouse may also be employed to augment theergonomic efficiency of the Graphical User Interface displayed on touchscreen 9. As with the wall-mounted display shown in FIG. 3, carrier 2 ishidden from the user's view, thereby contributing to a pleasing anduncluttered work environment.

FIG. 8 illustrates carrier 2 with its swingarm 20 completely unfoldedsuch that curved body-contact bar 21 is presented directly towards theabdomen of user 43. The inner portion 22 of said contact bar isconfigured for comfortable contact and frictional adhesion to a typicaluser's abdomen (not realistically shaped in this CAD illustration).Neckstrap assembly 5 is secured to carrier 2 by insertion of its leftand right end swivels 31, 35 into their respective swivel-pin bores insaid carrier's baseplate (detailed in FIG. 1 and FIG. 14). Left andright neckstrap portions 33 and 37 form an adjustable loop passingthrough neck cushion 45.

Viewed from the side, the strap, the carrier and the user form a roughlytriangular support structure for suspending P-C 1, said support trianglehaving its three vertices located at: the shared axis of swivels 31, 35,the contact point 22 along the user's abdomen and the strap contactpoints 58, 59. Swingarm 20 is long enough that it spaces P-C 1 farenough away from the user that gravity induces a pendulum righting forceonto contact bar 21 which in turn creates sufficient friction againstthe user's abdomen to rigidly stabilize all sides of said supporttriangle. Sloping cords 33 and 37 provide unencumbered side access suchthat, while walking about, the user can operate virtual key board 10with the same degree of ergonomic efficiency they would enjoy if seatedat the table shown in FIG. 4.

Axis 11 passes through the central balance point of P-C 1 however whencarrier 2 is attached to it and its swingarm 20 is unfolded towards theuser; the assembly's new balance point becomes shifted somewhat towardthe user. The pivot-pins and swivels 31 and 35 in their associatedbaseplate sockets are therefore positioned closer to the user than axis11 so as to provide substantially neutral balance when suspended solelyfrom neckstrap 5. This neutral balance characteristic is desirablebecause it improves the stability of the support triangle describedabove (i.e. only light friction of contact bar 21 onto the user isrequired in order for its leverage to maintain P-C 1 securely in itsoptimal position and orientation).

When supported as shown in FIG. 8, the upper surface of P-C 1 and itsattached swingarm assembly 4 form a useful platform that the user mayuse to support sundry items. One useful item that can be place on thismobile platform is a compact external keyboard such as the AppleWireless Keyboard (not illustrated). When placed over top of virtualkeyboard 10, the external keyboard's better tactile characteristics canimprove the user's productivity. Such compact keyboards are small enoughto be transported in the accessory bag 46 shown in FIG. 11.

The optimal position and orientation of P-C 1 may vary depending onwhether the user is walking about, sitting upright at a desk, recliningon a sofa or lying down in bed. To optimize ergonomics in all posturescenarios, user 43 positions P-C 1 vertically by adjusting the length ofneckstrap 5 using fixtures 34 and 38. They can also orient the P-C bymoving contact bar 21 up or down their torso, thereby rotating P-C aboutthe axis of swivels 31, 35. Further angular adjustments to the touchscreen's orientation may be affected by changing the angle of the hingelocking mechanism; in particular, unfolding the swingarm past 180degrees will enable the stably supported touch screen to point moredirectly towards the user's head when using the invention while lying inbed (not illustrated).

FIG. 9 illustrates the P-C carrier configuration of FIG. 8 however user43 has rotated the carrier's swingarm to its fully folded position (asshown in FIG. 2). Since the weight of said swingarm has been moved fromabove the P-C's balance axis 11 to below it, the P-C and carrierassembly becomes bottom heavy and is therefore inclined to hang quitevertically from neckstrap swivels 31 and 35. Due to the eccentriclocation of the swivels' pivot pins; there exists a slight tendency forP-C 1 to tilt forward and away from the user's torso. To mitigate thateffect, the swivels are an interference fit into the baseplate ofcarrier 2 and therefore have considerable resistance to rotation,thereby enabling the user to adjust the P-C's effective point ofsuspension so that it hangs flat against their body while beingtransported to its next usage site. To further improve the verticalhanging characteristics of carrier 2, its swivel-pin pivot bores may beraised slightly higher than that which provides neutral balance (i.e.:its hanging axis may be positioned a bit closer to the user so as toengender a slight bias towards rotating the swingarm upwards rather thandownwards).

FIG. 10 illustrates the P-C carrier configuration of FIG. 9 with itsneckstrap 5 lengthened somewhat (using adjusters 34 and or 38). The P-Ccan then be slung over a shoulder for improved comfort when carrying thefolded P-C for extended periods.

FIG. 11 illustrates the P-C carrier configuration of FIG. 10 withoptional accessory storage bag 46 affixed over the P-C's touch screen(see FIG. 14 for fixation details). Typically, bag 46 is sewn fromstretchable neoprene foam material which, when affixed to the P-C asshown will help protect its touch screen from shock damage duringtransport. Bag 46 has a zippered upper aperture 47, thereby enablinguser 46 to carry sundry items such as the carrying strap 5 or a foldingwireless keyboard for use when deployed on a tabletop as shown in eitherFIG. 5 or FIG. 7.

Bag 46 may have the same dimensions as its underlying P-C (in thisillustration its underlying P-C is approximately 7.5″ tall×9.5″ wide).Bag 46 may also be configured with a lower bag extension to increase thesize of objects it can accommodate. For example if bag 46 is made 12″tall×9.5″ wide then letter-sized documents can be carried about toincrease the invention's overall utility as a mobile office. Thisextended bag (not illustrated) is also capable of carrying otherperipherals such as the Apple Wireless Keyboard™.

FIG. 12 illustrates the carrier configuration of FIG. 8 with an optionalback-strap 48 securing body-contact bar 21 against the user's abdomenfor a more secure fit during rapid motion. Strap 48 is an elastic“bungee cord” having end hooks that enable the user to wrap said straparound their back and secure both its ends into aperture 23 of swingarm20. Strap 48 can also be used in this manner to better secure the P-Cflat against the user's abdomen when the carrier's swingarm is folded asshown in FIG. 9. When not in use, optional back-strap 48 may be storedin the accessory bag 46 described above.

FIG. 13 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the swingarm's angularlock which provides additional support during use of the “desktop typingmode” shown in FIG. 4. This auxiliary hinge support means is comprisedof prop 49 pivoting around pivot-pin 52 journaled in backplate boss 50.The lower end of prop 49 is configured for engagement into prop-socket51 on swingarm 20 and an internal hairpin spring (not visible) biasesprop 49 against baseplate 3 when not in use. If the user anticipatesheavy loading while typing onto P-C 1 as shown in FIG. 3 and wishes toprovide extra support, then prop 49 is swung down and engaged intosocket 51 as needed.

Alternatively, the illustrated spring-biased prop 49 can be replacedwith a simpler prop comprised solely of a length of rod which at itsdomed lower end seats into socket 51 in swingarm 20 as shown but has asimilar domed upper socket engagement into a socket in baseplate 3 (notillustrated). When not in use, this detachable prop can be stored in theaccessory bag 46 shown in FIG. 11.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, hinge and swingarmconstruction is robust enough that such auxiliary swingarm proppingmechanisms can be omitted. To facilitate robust configuration, softfriction washer 28 is provided between hinge half bosses 24 and 13 toguard against hinge breakage by permitting controlled slippage of thehinge to occur if the user inadvertently applies too much pressure ontoP-C 1. Use of washer 28 together with the thrust bearing 29 shown inFIG. 1 will also enables friction knob 30 to be adjusted such that theuser can rotate swingarm 20 back and forth between its fully folded andfully unfolded positions with the desired degree of friction while onlyhaving to tighten friction knob 30 if and when greater hinge resistanceis required (i.e.: when typing on a tabletop as shown in FIG. 4).

FIG. 14 illustrates a convenient means for affixing the accessory bag 46shown in FIG. 11 onto the exposed side of P-C 1. Bag 46 includes fourcorner pockets 54 a, 54 b, 54 c and 54 d that are formed of stretchableneoprene fabric which enables the user to deform them over the fourcorners of P-C 1, thereby affixing said bag as illustrated in FIG. 11.If a larger bag is desired in order to carry items larger than the facedimensions of P-C 1 then a bag portion is provided that extends pastlower fixation pockets 54 c and 54 d (not illustrated).

Also shown in FIG. 14 is a positive-locking means for retainingneckstrap swivel-pins 32 and 36 within their respective swivel bores 17and 19 (instead of relying on the friction of a slight interference fitbetween each swivel pin and its pivot bore). L-shaped swivels 31 and 35are have an annular locking groove 55 a and 55 b near their respectiveswivel-pins that is formed for engagement with locking levers 56 a and56 b on swivel bosses 16 and 18. When the user wishes to detachneckstrap 5 from baseplate 3, said levers must be manually deformed farenough that they disengage from their respective locking grooves 55 aand 55 b. Other positive locking means will be obvious to thosepracticed in the art. For example; pins 32 and 36 may extend far enoughpast their respective bores 17 and 19 that a user-actuatedexpansion-spring on each tip prevents the pin's inadvertent extraction(not illustrated).

Also shown in FIG. 14 is a means for storing neckstrap or “body supportmember” 5 in a compact manner that hides it from view when swingarmaperture 23 is hung onto a wall as shown in FIG. 3. Neckstrap cushion 45is comprised of a fabric sleeve that can be opened along its length bymeans of Velcro™ closure strips. Neckstrap cushion (and sleeve) 45 canthereby be used to contain left and right neckstrap cord portions 33 and37 and their attendant length adjusters 34 and 38, once all of them havebeen coiled together into a short enough bunch that the sleevedneckstrap assembly can be stored against the back of P-C 1 when swingarm20 is folded and locked against it as shown. To further secure thestored neckstrap 5, swivel-pins 32 and 36 may be inserted into eitherend of their respective swivel-bores 16 and 19 (not illustrated).Swivels 31 and 35 can be stored either facing outward (for quickre-deployment as a neckstrap) or facing inward (for invisibility whenP-C 1 is stored onto a wall as shown in FIG. 3).

In another embodiment of suitable neckstrap storage means (notillustrated), left and right neckstrap cord portions 33 and 37 (andtheir attendant length adjusters 34 and 38) are spooled onto the outsideof neckstrap cushion (rather than being wrapped inside of it). To enablegood spooling, both ends of neckstrap cushion 45 are notched forreceiving said cords as the user winds the assembly for maximumcompactness prior to storing it under swingarm 20 as shown.

FIG. 15 illustrates the use of a wrap-around baseplate that grips ontothe P-C instead of using an adhesive film to secure the carrierbaseplate to the P-C. FIGS. 1 to 14 illustrate a baseplate that is gluedonto the back of a P-C and used to affix hinge pivot boss 13 formounting the swingarm 4 as well as well as to affix left and rightswivel pivot bosses 16 and 18 for mounting neckstrap 5. Adhesivemembrane 12 forms a semi-permanent bond between P-C 1 and carrier 2however some users prefer to have a carrier that is more easilyseparated from their P-C, even if the different attachment results in amore cluttered visual appearance of their P-C. To address theirpreference, a non-adhesive carrier embodiment may be provided thatutilizes a non-adhesive backplate 100 to mount the three necessarybosses underneath P-C 1 for receiving swingarm assembly 4 and neckstrapassembly 5. Non-adhesive backplate 100 is typically formed of semi-rigidplastic which includes a plurality of claws 101 around its perimeterthat can be deformed to snap over the front surface of P-C 1 and therebyjoin itself to carrier 2 (as illustrated in the large-scale inset).

A similar and even more intrusively visible attachment means of mountingswingarm 4 and neckstrap 5 to P-C 1 (not illustrated) is to slide theentire P-C into a case that covers all sides of said P-C, said casehaving apertures as needed that enable the user access the P-C's touchscreen and data ports. This outer case is functionally equivalent tobackplate 100 in FIG. 15 and mounts equivalent pivot bosses underneathP-C 1 to receive swingarm assembly 4 and neckstrap assembly 5.

FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of the carrier in which the hingepivot boss and neckstrap swivel pivot bosses are molded integrally intothe Pad-Computer's main housing. FIGS. 1 to 15 illustrate embodiments ofthe invention that are retro-fitted onto existing Pad-Computers. Ifhowever the P-C is specifically designed and manufactured for optimalintegration of the present invention into its core structure thenimproved functionality and appearance will be obtained. FIG. 16illustrates such a P-C 200 which together with swingarm 4 and neckstrap5 forms a wearable Pad Computer that is functionally equivalent to theP-C shown in FIG. 1. However neither a baseplate nor an adhesivemembrane are included in P-C 200 because swingarm pivot boss 201, rightneckstrap pivot boss 202 and left neckstrap pivot boss 203 are allmolded integral to the bottom of P-C 200's casing 204, thereby providinga stronger and more efficient support structure.

The P-C 200 shown in FIG. 16 doesn't need to look similar to the P-C 1shown in FIG. 1 because the distribution of its internal electroniccomponents is under complete control of the manufacturer. Variousimprovements can therefore be made that render the overall product morespace efficient, more functional and more visually pleasing.

For example; in an improved embodiment of P-C 200 (not illustrated),internal components inside of housing 204 are rearranged so that theswivel pivot bosses 202 and 203 are eliminated and their respectiveswivel-pin bores 206 and 205 are formed directly in the side of casing204 (data port 8 may also be relocated to accommodate the internalstructure needed to form said bores). Moving said pivot bores upwardsand into the core of P-C 200 enables inserted neckstrap pivot-pins 32and 36 to be positioned closer to the optimal balance point of thesuspended P-C when deployed as shown in either FIG. 8 or FIG. 9 (saidbalance point being a compromise position between those required foroptimal performance in each of those two usage configurations).

Similarly; in this monolithic embodiment of the invention, P-C 200'sswingarm pivot boss 201 may be largely integrated into casing 204,thereby reducing its overall height and permitting a more streamlinedand pleasing appearance. This version of said casing 204 (notillustrated) will typically position pivot boss 201 close to its frontedge 7 and may include recesses that permit boss 24 of swingarm 4 tofold more flush against its lower surface when bores 25 and 207 arealigned and friction surface 39 and 208 are mated. To further enableswingarm 4 to integrate smoothly with casing 204, hinge boss 24 may beformed asymmetrically and the bottom surface of casing 204 my include arecessed portion that permits swingarm 20 to conform more closely to thebottom surface when fully folded (not illustrated). Hinge-locking knob30 may be configured with a lever actuation as described above for FIG.1 such that it integrates into this recessed swingarm structure.Furthermore, P-C 200 may be configured such that the short side 6 of itscasing 204 is short enough with respect to the length of swingarm 20that when said swingarm is fully folded against said casing, abdominalcontact bar 21 and wall-mount hanging aperture 23 project past saidcasing's opposite edge 209, thereby providing a convenient exposedhandhold and enabling the invention to be practiced with smaller-sizedP-C's than the illustrative example shown.

There exists a somewhat simpler and less expensive type of Pad-Computerthat lacks means for automatically orienting its displayed graphics ineither landscape or portrait mode as the user rotates it. Theselimited-functionality P-Cs are optimized for reading digital “Ebooks”and can therefore only display data in portrait orientation; twoexamples of such P-Cs are the Amazon Kindle™ and the Barnes & NobleNook™. These dedicated Ebook readers can still profit from the presentinvention however they do not require the full functionality provided arotatable swingarm assembly. Referring to FIG. 8; equipping such aportrait-oriented Ebook reader with a fixed abdominal contact bar 21together with a neckstrap assembly 5 and its associated swivel fixationmeans will enable its hands-free operation and thereby improveusability, whether user 43 is standing, sitting or lying down.

This abbreviated “Ebook-reader” embodiment of the present invention (notillustrated), could be either retro-fitted (using an adhesive-backedbaseplate 3 as shown in FIG. 1) or else incorporated directly into thehousing of said Ebook reader (as per FIG. 16). Instead of utilizing arotatable swingarm for presenting abdominal contact bar 21 to the user,a semi-fixed, non-rotatable, roughly “T-shaped” contact bar is provided(not illustrated). The base of this roughly T-shaped contact bar(comprised of a straight spacing portion joined to the middle of acurved abdominal contact bar) fits into a socket fixture provided at thelocation of hinge boss 13 in FIG. 1. Said socket fixture will preferablyhave a forward-facing socket for operative use of said abdominal contactbar and a rearward-facing socket for storing said T-shaped bar when notin use.

FIG. 17 illustrates P-C 1 together with an exploded view of a differentembodiment of carrier 2 that retro-fits onto existing P-Cs. This P-Ccarrier 2 is comprised of U-shaped swingarm assembly 60, “P-C outercase” assembly 61 and neck strap assembly 62.

U-shaped swingarm assembly 60 includes U-shaped swingarm 80 whichtypically is a bent metal strip comprised of abdominal contact portion63 (also referred to as “bridge”) joining left and right side-armportions 67 a and 67 b which are formed by making left and right bends65 a and 65 b. Said abdominal contact portion or bridge 63 is curved forcomfortable fit onto typical users and may mount a foam rubber frictionenhancer 64 for increased comfort and a more robust mechanical leveragefor controlling the attitude of P-C 1 when worn as shown in FIG. 24.Left and right side-arms 67 a and 67 b each project linearly beyond theposition of left and right swingarm pivot pins 70 a and 70 b.Cantilever-arm extensions 68 a and 68 b are used for mounting andpositioning neck strap swivel mounts 69 a and 69 b into various supportgeometries as described below.

When fully assembled, left and right anti-rotation keys 71 a and 71 bprotrude from the inner faces of said left and right side-arms. Each ofsaid anti-rotation keys also extends fore and aft along said side-armsfrom their respective pivot pins 70 a and 70 b and are used in lockingthe rotation of swingarm 60 to enable the various operational modesdescribed below. For ease of manufacturing swingarm 80 usingconventional metal-forming techniques; pivot pins 70 and anti-rotationkeys 71 may be formed together as left and right insert fixtures 72 aand 72 b and then press-fit into left and right fixation slots 73 a and73 b. Alternatively, the protruding portions of inserts 72 a and 72 bmay be formed monolithic to swingarm 80 using plastic injection-moldingtechniques (see FIG. 28 for the assembled U-shaped swingarm's generalappearance).

The width of the swingarm's portion 63, the lengths of its two side-armportions (67 a and 67 b) and the length of the two cantilever extensions(68 a and 68 b) are determined with respect to the dimensions of theparticular P-C being carried (in this case an Apple iPad 2™). Saidswingarm dimensions are chosen such that:

1) The assembled apparatus provides a comfortable and ergonomic spacingbetween the user's abdomen and the nearest edge of P-C 1. While beingworn as shown in FIG. 8, a spacing of between 5″ and 7″ provides ampleclearance for the user 43 to easily operate P-C 1 without neck strapinterference.2) The assembled apparatus enables swingarm 80 to fully rotate about P-C1 such its curved portion 63 clears the furthest edge of P-C 1, therebyenabling the swingarm assembly 60 to fold flat around P-C 1 foroptimally compact storage.3) The assembled apparatus positions neck strap swivel mounts 69 a and69 b such that when the swingarm is rotated and locked parallel to PC-1at its extended position for wearing; swivels 84 a and 84 b arepositioned along the opened assembly's natural axis of rotation (i.e.positioned such that the P-C will hang balanced and near horizontal asshown in FIG. 24). When the swingarm is then rotated 180 degrees intoits compact storage position, swivels 84 a and 84 b are swung around oncantilever extensions 68 a and 68 c such that the folded apparatusbecomes optimally suspended for carrying close to the user's body asshown in FIG. 25.

“P-C outer case” 61 is so named because it is a means for affixingswingarm assembly 60 and neck strap assembly 62 onto the “case” of P-C1. In one embodiment, this fixation means is comprised of an adhesivemembrane and large baseplate (as shown in FIG. 1). In another fixationembodiment, a baseplate with wrap-around “gripping fingers” is provided(as shown in FIG. 15). In another embodiment, a hybrid combination ofthose two gripping means is provided (as shown here in FIG. 17 to FIG.27). In yet another embodiment of a “P-C outer case” (not illustrated),a complete “sleeve” or “outer case” is provided which houses the entireP-C while providing on its outer surface the pivot bores and keywaystructure needed to adequately mount swingarm 60 and neck strap 62 asdescribed below. All of these “outer case 61” embodiments arefunctionally equivalent to the “factory-built” embodiments shown in FIG.16 and in FIG. 28 to FIG. 31 (in that the required pivots andpivot-locking means are molded directly into the P-C's case during itsmanufacture).

The hybrid “P-C outer case” 61 shown in FIG. 17 is comprised ofbackplate 74 affixed to the lower surface of P-C 1 by means of suitablydimensioned, double-sided adhesive membrane 75. In order to providegreater adhesive contact area onto P-C 1, the width of backplate 74 mayoptionally be augmented with a rearward projecting flange as shown. Inorder to enable baseplate 74 to mount swingarm 60; left and rightswingarm pivot bosses 76 a and 76 b are provided that extend outwardsand upwards from the left and right ends of said baseplate. Said leftand right pivot bosses may be formed monolithic to said baseplate asshown or else formed as a three-part bolted assembly (two bosses boltedone backplate). If a bolted backplate assembly is used (notillustrated); said left and right bosses are formed such that grippingplates 82 a and 82 b are monolithic to said bosses and said backplateforms the lower surface of the horizontal keyways 78 a and 78 bdescribed below.

Said pivot bosses include left and right swingarm pivot-pin bores 77 aand 77 b formed at the intersections between two horizontal keyways 78 aand 78 b and two vertical keyways 79 a and 79 b; said pivot-pin boresand said keyways being configured for engagement with correspondingpivot-pins 70 a and 70 b and with corresponding anti-rotation keys 71 aand 71 b, which are formed on spring-biased swingarm 60 as describedbelow. FIG. 28 and FIG. 29 illustrate how swingarm 60 is shaped suchthat swivel mounts 69 a and 69 b are closer together than bends 65 a and65 b, thereby forming a converging U-shaped spring which, when forcedopen and fitted onto P-C outer case 61, will automatically biaspivot-pins 70 a and 70 b and anti-rotation keys 71 a and 71 b into theirrespective bores and keyways.

Said pivot-pins project substantially further from bent swingarm 80 thansaid anti-rotation keys, thereby enabling the user to pull outward onarms 67 a and 67 b to release said keys from said keyways whilemaintaining said pivot-pins in their respective pivot bores. Thisspring-biased pivot and key engagement system thereby enables swingarmassembly 60 to be selectively rotated and locked into four positions asneeded to realize the present invention's various usage modes. Its fourpossible positions are:

1) Swingarm locked horizontally in its extended position for wearing asshown in FIG. 24.2) Swingarm rotated 180 degrees from position #1 and locked into itsflat storage position as shown in FIG. 18.3) Swingarm rotated 90 degrees from position #2 and locked into itsdesktop keyboarding position as shown in FIG. 20.4) Swingarm rotated 180 degrees from position #3 and locked into itsdesktop viewing positions as shown in FIGS. 21, and 22.

To rotate swingarm 60 assembly to any of the above four usageconfigurations, the user simply pulls outwards on both of thespring-biased, U-shaped swingarm's two side-arms far enough to releaseboth of its anti-rotation keys from their respective keyways. If theswingarm is deployed in position #1, position #3 or position #4 thenthis keyway release action will instantly allow gravity to rotate bothswingarm and P-C upwards and towards each other to facilitate foldinginto the position #2. If the swingarm is already in position #2 thenkeyway release will allow gravity-driven unfolding to re-commence in thesame rotational direction towards any of the 3 other swingarm positionsand the user simply manipulates the side-arms so as to allow theswingarm's spring-biasing to automatically lock said keys into saidkeyways at the desired, position. In FIG. 17, anti-rotation keys areshown on both the left and right side-arm portions of bent swingarm 80.Left and right keys provide balanced locking symmetry however a singleanti-rotation key may be provided on just the right or the left side-armto enable slightly simplified position changes.

Slight spreading of the U-shaped swingarm's side-arms will correctlyrelease anti-rotation keys 71 a and 71 b from their respective keywayson pivot bosses 76 a and 76 b while simultaneously maintainingpivot-pins 70 a and 70 b within their respective pivot-bores 77 a and 77b. Applying a somewhat greater spreading force onto said side-arms canhowever enable complete withdrawal of said pivot-pins from saidpivot-bores and thereby permit complete dismounting and separation ofswingarm 60 from P-C outer case 61. To prevent inadvertent (potentiallycatastrophic) separation of said swingarm, positive pin-retention meanssuch as standard retaining-clips 91 a and 91 b may be affixed near thetips of said pivot-pins. Counter-bores 90 a and 90 b configure pivot-pinbores 77 a and 77 b for sufficient axial travel to permit properengagement and disengagement of the anti-rotation keys 71 into keyways78 and 79 as required.

The use of retaining-clips 91 a and 91 b to prevent inadvertentseparation of swingarm 60 (and its attached neck strap 61) isproblematic if, for whatever reason, the user wishes to remove theswingarm (such retaining-clips are quite difficult to remove). Toaddress this concern, a quick-release version of said pivot-pins may beprovided. For example: a “key and keyhole” means of affixing neck strapswivels (not illustrated) may be provided to enable the “keyed”swivel-pin to be withdrawn from its “keyholed” pivot-bore if and only ifsaid swivel is rotated to a particular angular orientation. That sametype of “positive-engagement but quick-release” fixation means may alsobe used to configure pivot-pins 87 a and 87 b to prevent inadvertentseparation of neck strap assembly 62. To implement the preferredswingarm quick-release described above, each pivot-pin's “keyholeflange” should be oriented such that the swingarm's pivot-pins can onlybe withdrawn when the swingarm oriented towards the user for wearing butpositioned somewhat above its horizontal locking position #1 (thisminimizes the chance of inadvertent detachment during normal folding andunfolding operations).

To strengthen the adhesive fixation of carrier 2 onto P-C 1; left andright pivot bosses 76 a and 76 b include holes 81 for mounting left andright gripping plates 82 a and 82 b using screws 83 a and 83 b. Grippingplates 82 a and 82 b are configured for positive engagement onto theupper surface of P-C 1 in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 15thereby more securely mounting baseplate 75 and swingarm 60 to P-C 1. Tobetter support P-C 1 when it's stored flat as shown in FIG. 18; rubbershim feet 89 a and 89 b may be affixed to the lower side of said P-C.

Neck strap assembly 62 is comprised of left and right neck strap swivelbodies (84 a and 84 b), left and right neck strap cords (85 a and 85 b)and left and right cord-length adjuster (88 a and 88 b). Said left andright neck strap swivel bodies mount concentric swivel pins 87 a and 87b which are rotateably mounted into left and right swivel mounts 69 aand 69 b on U-shaped bent swingarm 80. For suitable fixation into saidswingarm mounts, the tips of said swivel-pins may be loosely rivetedinto suitably formed swivel mounts 69 a and 69 b, thereby minimizingbulk and providing smooth inner swingarm faces that facilitate otherlow-clearance embodiments of the invention (see FIG. 28). Otherrotatable fixation means for said swivel bodies such as a threaded endcaps, or the “key and keyhole” quick-release mounts described above maybe used.

Left and right neck strap cords 85 a and 85 b affix to their respectiveswivel bodies: one simple but effective fixation means being to passsaid cords through apertures 86 a and 86 b and the form a knot or otherend-thickening to prevent their withdrawal. In a preferred embodiment;“push-button, dual-hole cord-locks” 88 a and 88 b are used to provide amore compact and easily adjusted means of varying the length of neckstrap 62 than can be provided by the more common adjusters used to varythe length of flat neck straps. To exploit such off-the-shelfcord-locks, each neck strap cord (for example 85 a) passes through alockable first hole of its nearest cord-lock (88 a) and terminates byaffixing through the second hole of its furthest cord-lock (88 b). Cordfixation to said cord-lock is typically made in the same manner as thatused to affix said cord to a swivel, body 84. By releasing bothcord-locks so that both cords are free-running through said first holes,the user can easily vary the neck strap's overall length by sliding bothcords slide behind their neck (see FIG. 24). Conventional “slidingbuckle” types of neck strap adjusters or relatively bulky off-the-shelfneck straps made for cameras may also be used together with suitablyconfigured swivel bodies 84 a and 84 b.

Efficient neck strap storage may be affected by shortening the overalllength of neck strap 60 and placing cords 85 a and 85 b into cord-guides66 a and 66 b such that the stored neck strap is pulled taught aroundthe exterior of bent swingarm 80 (see FIG. 18). Alternatively; ifquick-release swivels are use, neck strap assembly 62 may be completelyremoved and stored separately in the accessory bag shown in FIG. 25 andFIG. 14.

FIG. 18 illustrates the P-C carrier 2 of FIG. 17 when fully assembledand affixed to P-C 1. U-shaped swingarm or “body propping member” 60 hasbeen rotated into its fully-folded storage position and then placed ontotabletop 40. Note that the overall height of P-C carrier 2 is slightlygreater than that of P-C 1. Carrier 2 thereby provides three substantialmeans of protection to said P-C:

1) The P-C's four corners are effectively surrounded by swingarmassembly 60.2) The P-C's front lower surface is protected and raised above tabletop40 by the thickness of backplate 74 (not visible). The P-C's rear lowersurface is typically also raised and protected by one or more adhesiverubber feet 89 (also not visible).3) The P-C's upper surface and touch screen 9 may also be protected byadhering additional rubber feet to its upper surface (not illustrated).The shimming and shock absorption afforded by said feet 89 and saidgripping plates 82 a and 82 b thereby enable the user to lay the foldedassembly face-down onto a tabletop without concern for damage resultingfrom contact between the two surfaces.4) If the width of material used to fabricate U-shaped swingarm 60 isgreater than the thickness of the P-C 1 being carried in carrier 2 (i.e.approximately 0.5″ wide as shown in FIG. 18 for carrying an Apple iPadwhich is only 0.35″ thick), then the upper and lower edges of theswingarm will serve to protect the upper and lower surfaces of said P-Cwhile still permitting the tablet computer's clean styling to be plainlyvisible,

FIG. 19 illustrates the P-C carrier 2 configuration of FIG. 18 afterbeing hung onto a wall 41 in a similar manner to the embodiment shown inFIG. 3. Left and right mounting nails 42 a and 42 b are driven into saidwall to enable stable flush-mounting of P-C 1 by suspending it on saidnails at bends 65 a and 65 b. To minimize damage to the wall a separatewall-hanging bracket (not illustrated) that is comprised of a horizontalbar having a central wall fixation hole and two perpendicular end prongsthat fit into bends 65 a and 65 b.

FIG. 20 illustrates P-C carrier 2 with swingarm 60 rotated at rightangles to P-C 1 such that it enables said carrier to support virtualkeyboard 10 at its preferred orientation for typing on desktop 40. Leftand right anti-rotation keys 71 a and 71 b are engaged into left andright vertical keyways 79 a and 79 b; thereby locking swingarm 60 suchthat its two (short) cantilevered portions 68 a and 68 b act as supportprops for tilting P-C 1 up towards the user at a shallow angle forefficient typing on virtual keyboard 10.

FIG. 21 illustrates the P-C carrier of FIG. 20 after being reconfiguredby rotating its swingarm assembly 60 through 180 degrees. Left and rightanti-rotation keys 71 a and 71 b are re-engaged into left and rightvertical keyways 79 a and 79 b thereby locking swingarm 60 such that itstwo side-arm portions 67 a and 67 b support the lower portion of P-C 1in landscape orientation at a very steep angle on desktop 40. This steepviewing angle is appropriate for watching images or videos or else fordata input when used in conjunction with an external keyboard places onthe tabletop in front of it (not illustrated).

FIG. 22 illustrates the same P-C carrier shown in FIG. 21 after beingreoriented and placed back onto tabletop 40 such that swingarm 60supports the upper portion of P-C 1 in landscape orientation at amoderately steep angle that can be comfortably used for a wide varietyof computing tasks.

FIG. 23 illustrates the same P-C carrier shown in FIG. 21 after beingreoriented and placed back onto tabletop 40 such that swingarm 60 isoriented for supporting P-C 1 in portrait orientation. In order toprovide orthogonal support for said P-C, shim block 92 distances thelower edge of P-C 1 to compensate for the eccentric bulk of carrier 2that projects underneath one side of said P-C. This portrait orientationsupport function is useful for in certain display tasks such as readingEBooks or word processing when used in conjunction with an externalkeyboard (not illustrated).

FIG. 24 illustrates P-C carrier 2 with its U-shaped swingarm 60 unfoldedand locked into the ‘position #1 described above, thereby enabling user43 to comfortably walk about while operating P-C 1 with both hands.

User 43 adjusts the length of neck strap assembly 62 and the height ofthe abdominal contact portion 64 of swingarm 60 to obtain a comfortablefit that's suitable for efficient ergonomics during mobile computingtasks. Note that left and right swivels 84 a and 84 b suspend theapparatus near its axis of balance (i.e. somewhat towards the user)therefore said swingarm need only provide a small righting moment tomaintain P-C 1 at the user's desired orientation.

FIG. 25 illustrates the P-C carrier of FIG. 24 after its swingarm 60 hasbeen rotated and locked into position #2 (as shown in FIG. 18). Notethat by rotating said swingarm 180 degrees, its left and rightcantilevered portions 84 a and 84 b become shifted away from theassembly's balance point such that it hangs comfortably flat against theuser's abdomen during transport. This U-shaped swingarm embodimentthereby provides a somewhat more efficient weight re-distribution thanthat provided by the T-shaped embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9.

FIG. 26 illustrates the P-C carrier 2 of FIG. 25 with its neck straplengthened for improved comfort while carrying the P-C 1 slung acrossuser 43's shoulder. Again, the upwardly rotated position of swivels 84 aand 84 b insure that said P-C hangs comfortably.

FIG. 27 illustrates the P-C carrier configuration of FIG. 26 withoptional accessory storage bag 46 affixed over the P-C's touch screen,thereby providing both a protective cover and a means for carryingsundry items. See FIG. 11 and FIG. 14 for details of fixation means forstorage bag 46.

FIG. 28 illustrates two examples of a purpose-built Pad-Computer 93 (P-C93 a shown on the left and P-C 93 b shown on the right). Thispurpose-built P-C embodiment of the invention directly incorporatesmounting means for U-shaped swingarm 60 into said P-C's structure: leftand right swingarm mounts 94 a and 94 b are molded directly into thecase of said purpose-built P-C 93 (instead of being retro-fitted ontothe case of an existing P-C using an outer case as described above). P-C93 a illustrates said purpose-built P-C with its swingarm assembly 60and its neck strap assembly 62 assembled and configured for use as shownin FIG. 19 and FIG. 25 (i.e. left and right keys 71 a and 71 b areengaged into left and right horizontal anti-rotation keyways 78 a and 78b).

The right-hand example of this embodiment of the invention.(P-C 93 b inFIG. 28) is exploded for clarity and shows swingarm assembly 60 and neckstrap assembly 62 separated from P-C 93 b. Note the convergence of leftand right side-arm portions 67 a and 67 b which engender an inwardspring biasing of pivot-pins 70 a, 70 b and anti-rotation keys 71 a, 71b. Also note that molded swingarm mounts 94 a and 94 b are comprised ofthe same 3 indentations that are formed into left and right pivot bosses76 a and 76 b shown in FIG. 17 (each mount is comprised of a swingarmpivot bore, a horizontal anti-rotation keyway and a verticalanti-rotation keyway). By molding said mount-indentations directly intothe left and right sides of purpose-built P-C 93's case, the need forsaid retro-fitted bosses is eliminated (i.e. the entire P-C outer caseassembly 61 becomes redundant and is therefore eliminated from thisembodiment of the invention).

FIG. 29 illustrates large-scale details of the exploded P-C 93 shown inFIG. 28. Right swingarm mount is comprised of three indentations moldedinto the right side of said P-C. Right swingarm pivot bore 77 b receivesright swingarm pivot-pin 70 b. Right horizontal keyway 78 b and rightvertical keyway 79 b receive right anti-rotation key 71 b as required toconfigure swingarm 60 into various operation modes as described above.Note that this embodiment of the invention demands that thepurpose-built P-C be internally constructed to accommodate left andright mounts 94 a and 94 b as well as to position data ports 8 forunobstructed access.

FIG. 30 illustrates a general-purpose embodiment of the invention usedfor carrying smaller P-Cs such as handheld “Smart Phone” 95. P-C carrier2 is comprised of the same three basic elements as shown in FIG. 17:U-shaped swingarm assembly 60, P-C “outer case” assembly 61 and neckstrap assembly 62. To accommodate carrying the form factor and userinterface of Smart Phones such as P-C 95, outer case 61 is comprised ofplatform 96 a which is sized to permit P-C 95 to be temporarily affixedto its upper surface in either landscape orientation or portraitorientation using a plurality of biased clips 97. Said clips aretypically mounted to turntable 96 b which permits the user toselectively orient their P-C for different tasks. For example: if theuser is being guided by a GPS animated map displayed on a web browserwhile walking about as shown it FIG. 24, then they might choose toorient P-C 95 horizontally as shown. If they then wish to make a phonecall using their P-C's speakerphone function they can rotate turntable96 b 90 degrees to utilize the telephony function's user interface. Atany time, the user can quickly remove said P-C from clips 97 forconventional handheld usage.

Platform 96 a includes the same purpose-built left and right swingarmmounts 94 a and 94 b described above, thereby permitting swingarm 60 andits attached neck strap 62 to mount to outer-case 61. This embodiment ofP-C carrier 2 thereby enables a Smart Phone such as P-C 95 to beconveniently carried about or used in the various desktop or wall-hungusage modes described above.

FIG. 31 illustrates two instances of another, embodiment of carrier 2which (like the embodiment of FIG. 28) utilizes a purpose-built P-C toeliminate the need for a P-C outer case assembly (the left instancelabeled P-C 93 a and the right instance labeled 93 b). Instead of usinga swingarm assembly that rotates to enable hands-free wearing (as shownin the embodiments described above) this embodiment of the purpose-builtP-C utilizes a U-shaped abdomen spacer 98 a having left and rightdovetail protrusions 98 d and 98 e that slide along matching dovetailgrooves 98 b and 98 c formed into the left and right sides ofpurpose-built P-C 93 a (shown on the left side of FIG. 31). U-shapedabdomen spacer 98 a mounts left and right rotatable neck strap swivels84 a and 84 b for use with neck strap assembly 62 as in previousembodiments described above.

Left and right spring members 98 f and 98 g engage into annular slots onsaid swivels 84 a and 84 b, thereby biasing them into their respectiveswivel bores formed through the left and right left and right side-arms67 a and 67 b of said U-shaped abdomen spacer 98 a. Said left and rightneck strap swivels include elongated swivel pins 87 a and 87 b (notvisible) that are journaled through said swivel bores and that alsoselectively engage into left and right locking holes 98 h and 98 i (alsonot visible) that are formed into the bottom of left and right dovetailgrooves 98 b and 98 c, thereby enabling said elongated swivel-pins tolock and prevent U-shaped abdomen spacer 98 a from sliding relative topurpose-built P-C 93 a. Locking holes 98 h and 98 i are positioned alongtheir respective grooves 98 b and 98 c such that when inwardly biasedswivels 84 a and 84 b are engaged into them, neck strap assembly 62suspends P-C 93 a at its balance point (i.e. it hangs balanced like theP-C shown in FIG. 24). When thusly locked, side-arms 67 a and 67 b areconfigured such that curved abdominal portion 63 and friction portion 64space P-C 93 a from the user for comfortable hands-free operation (asshown in FIG. 24).

Shown on the right of FIG. 31 is P-C 93 b after the user hasreconfigured the purpose-built PC for compact carrying by neck strap 62(as shown in FIG. 25). To enable U-shaped abdomen spacer 98 a to slideinto this carrying configuration; the user pulls outward on swivels 84 aand 84 b, thereby withdrawing elongated pivot pins 87 a and 87 b fromtheir respective locking holes 98 h and 98 i formed at balance points indovetail grooves 98 b and 98 c. Once unlocked, swivels 84 a and 84 b aswell as abdominal contact pad 64 will slide easily into the desiredcarrying configuration. Once P-C carrier 2 is closed for carrying asshown, elongated swivel-pins 87 a and 87 b will snap into their fullybiased positions, thereby preventing abdominal spacer 98 a from slidingback into its extended P-C 93 a configuration shown on the left of FIG.31.

This sliding embodiment of the invention can be hung onto a wall asshown in FIG. 19 however without a swingarm; its other “support stand”functions are disabled. Sliding U-shaped abdomen spacer 98 a in and outof P-C 93 is however somewhat easier to actuate than rotating a swingarmwhen reconfiguring the P-C between its FIG. 24 usage mode and its FIG.25 usage mode. This sliding, purpose-built embodiment of the inventionis therefore more appropriate for use in wearable P-C applicationscenarios in which the user does not require occasional desktopdeployment (for example: truck drivers making deliveries or hospitalstaff making patient rounds).

FIG. 32 illustrates various construction details of a preferredembodiment of PC carrier 300. This exploded view clarifies minor changesto the various parts and assemblies that were described above and whichrender this embodiment somewhat easier and cheaper to manufacture thanthe functionally identical embodiment shown in FIG. 17.

Carrier 300 grips frictionally onto the lower surface of PC 301 by meansof right and left friction pads 307 and 308, said pads typically beingformed of soft silicone material. Pads 307 and 308 are squeezed againstPC 301 by rectangular backplate 302 which is clamped to PC 301 byfixation to right mount-block 303 and left mount-block 304, saidmount-blocks gripping onto the top surface of PC 301 by means of rightand left gripping flanges 317 and 318. Backplate 302 includes cornerholes 309, 311,313 and 315, thereby enabling screws 310, 312, 314 and316 to secure said backplate to the bottom surface of said mount-blocksby means of corresponding pairs of threaded holes (not visible) formedinto bottom of said mount-blocks. The height of mount-blocks 303 and 304is such that when affixed to backplate 302, the clamp assemblyfrictionally engages onto the upper and lower surfaces of PC 301 to formthe anchor structure used for mounting swingarm assembly 305.

Right and left mount-blocks 303, 304 each include an outer flange 319,320 that forms the upper surface of the left and right horizontalkeyways used to lock swingarm 321 into the wearing and desktop standmodes described above with reference to FIG. 17. The lower surfaces ofsaid right and left keyways are formed by the upper surface of backplate302 at its left and right extremities, thereby completing the horizontalkeyways needed to engage lock keys 322 and 323 of swingarm assembly 305.To form the right and left vertical keyways needed to lock swingarm 321into its desktop stand modes, said mount-blocks include vertical notches324 and 325 and backplate 302 includes matching vertical notches 326 and327.

Comparing the carrier configuration of FIG. 34 to the carrierconfiguration of FIG. 17; it is evident that assembling mount-blocks303, 304 onto backplate 302 to grip PC 301 is functionally identicalassembling gripping plates 82 onto pivot-bosses 76 to grip PC 1. Both ofthese wearable PC carrier assemblies utilize the same cruciform keywayconfiguration to selectably lock a U-shaped swingarm into its varioususage modes. It is also evident when comparing FIG. 1, FIG. 17 and FIG.34, that all three, carriers are embodiments of the same inventiveconcept: whereby a neckstrap and configurable swingarm assembly grip aPad Computer such that in one configuration said PC may be operatedwhile being worn and in another configuration said PC may be proppedconveniently onto a desktop.

Referring back to FIG. 34; once the backplate and mount-blocks assembledonto PC 301, the cruciform keyways formed by the structure aresymmetrical about threaded hinge-pin holes 328 and 329 through right andleft mount-blocks 303, 304. Said hinge-pin holes receive the threadedend of hinge-pins 330 and 331, to form the pivot for rotation ofswingarm assembly 305. Said hinge-pins each include a cap portion 332(for arresting the travel of the axial travel swingarm lock-keys asdescribed below), a bearing portion 333 (to support rotation of saidlock-keys as described below) and a threaded portion 334 (for fixationof each pin into its respective mount-block hole 328 and 329).

Swingarm assembly 305 is comprised of U-shaped swingarm 321, which isgenerally shaped as described earlier above. In FIG. 32's exploded view,said swingarm's inwardly-biased right and left side-arms 335 and 336 areshown held parallel for engagement onto their respective mount-blockshowever when released they will naturally incline inwards (as shown inFIG. 28). The inward biasing of said side arms provides the spring forceneeded to automatically seat right and left lock-keys 322 and 323 intothe assembled left and right cruciform keyways described above. Forefficient manufacture, the swingarm assembly is typically formed from abent strip of aluminum to form a U-shaped swingarm 321 to which discretelock-keys 322, 323 are affixed. The abdominal contact portion of saidswingarm is typically coated with a high friction material to improveoperational stability when worn. Monolithic swingarms machined frommetal or formed by plastic injection molding are also suitablemanufacturing techniques (not illustrated).

Referring also to FIG. 32's “Detail C” inset for clarity, each sidearm335, 336 of U-shaped swingarm 321 has two spaced-apart holes 341, 342for affixing right and left lock-keys 322, 323 at their preferredlocation for balanced load carrying as described above with reference toFIG. 17. Said lock-keys are formed for engagement into either thehorizontal or vertical channels of the cruciform keyways describedabove. Each lock-key includes threaded fixation means proximate to eachend which may be comprised of nuts 340 which engage bolts 339 throughswingarm fixation holes 341, 342 and lock-key fixation holes 351,352. Ifsaid lock-keys are made of injection molded plastic then threadedinserts may be used instead of the illustrated nuts 340. This bolt-onlock-key configuration is more easily manufactured than the earlierpress-fit swingarm construction shown in FIG. 17.

Each sidearm 335, 336 includes a pivot-pin access hole 337 piercedmidway between its key-fixation holes 341, 342. The diameter of saidaccess hole is large enough to permit the head portion 332 of pivot-pins330, 331 to pass through freely. Each lock-key 322, 323 also includes apivot-pin bearing hole 338 through which pivot-pins 330, 331 are passedduring assembly of carrier 300. Pivot-pin bearing hole 338 has a smalldiameter portion (shown in Detail C) and a large diameter portion (alsonumbered 338 on left lock-key 323). Pivot-pin bearing hole 338 is alsoshown in hidden lines in FIGS. 40 and 41. Said small-diameter portion ofhole 338 is for rotateably supporting the bearing portion 333 of saidpivot-pins and said large diameter portion is counter bored to a depththat permits the large diameter head portions 332 of said pivot pins toarrest the travel of said lock-keys as inwardly biased sidearms 335, 336are pulled apart by the user to unlock swingarm 321 for rotation. Tore-lock said swingarm at any of its four orientations, the user simplyrelaxes tension to allow the inward biasing of said sidearms to propelsaid lock-keys into either orthogonal channel of said left and rightcruciform keyways.

Sidearms 335, 336 each have a neckstrap attachment hole 343, 344 locatedproximate its front end. In its preferred embodiment, neckstrap assembly306 is comprised of left and right neckstrap cords 345, 346, each cordbeing attached at one end to the its respective sidearm throughattachment holes 343, 344 and at its opposite at to right and left cordlength adjustment clamps 345, 346 (left clamp not visible). As describedabove with reference to FIG. 17: by unclamping said adjusters, said leftand right cords can adjust the effective neckstrap length to suit userneeds. Cords 345, 346 are typically nylon “parachute” cords that arefirst passed through their respective close-fitting fixation holes andthen melted to form domes 347 which when solidified prevent said cordends from being withdrawn. Other, more conventional styles if neckstrapmay also be used to wear carrier 300. The overlapping neckstrap cordportions 345,346 ride on the back of the user's neck and typically passthrough a soft sleeve 350 to improve comfort and facilitate smoothoperation as the cords slide though to adjust overall length. Neckstrapsleeve 350 may include separate internal cord channels to prevent cords345, 346 from rubbing against each other and also to spread the loadmore evenly onto the user's neck.

FIG. 33 illustrates user 353 transporting the Pad-Computer (PC) 301 andPC carrier 300 inside detachable, fabric bag assembly 354. Said bag iscomprised of main pocket 356 which acts as a loose-fitting sleeve thatslides up and over said PC and closing flap 355 which is secured overthe opening of said main pocket thereby enclosing said PC in aprotective bag. Cords 345, 346 exit from inside said bag, therebyenabling Neckstrap assembly 306 to also act as said bag's carrying strapduring transport of said PC. Flap 355 uses Velcro™ or else a suitablemagnetic or mechanical snap closure (not visible) to hold said flapclosed onto the front of main pocket 356. Since said flap is somewhatwider that the distance between neckstrap cords 345, 346, clearanceslots 358 are typically cut into said flap to prevent bunching of thefabric. Storage pocket 357 is typically provided on the front of mainpocket 356 to enable the user to also carry accessories or sundry itemswith their PC. Storage pocket 357 may be half-height (as illustrated) sothat its contents are accessible without opening flap 355.Alternatively, storage pocket 357 may be the same height as main pocket356 (not illustrated) in which case flap 355 attaches onto the front ofsaid storage pocket.

FIG. 34 illustrates the bag assembly 354 of FIG. 33 after it has beenpartially re-configured to enable the PC to be operated. Flap 355 hasbeen detached from the front of main pocket 356 and folded back, therebyallowing the entire bag assembly 354 to drop away from carrier 300 andbe suspended by tethers 359. Half-height accessory pocket 357 is shownwith an Apple™ Bluetooth keyboard 360 protruding from it, therebyfacilitating desktop use with a PC such as the Apple iPad™. Left andright tethers 359 are affixed inside the left and right sides of mainpocket 356 and looped around the sidearms of U-shaped swingarm 321 toprevent said bag assembly from falling to the ground. Said tethers aretypically formed of flexible ribbon that can slide easily along saidsidearms. Each loop is easily attached or detached though said swingarmusing a snap button, Velcro™ or similar closure. The opening of saidloops is large enough that they can easily slide along the sidearms ofsaid swingarm and long enough that mount-blocks 303,304 cannot preventsaid carrier assembly from being fully inserted into said bag (as shownin FIG. 33).

FIG. 35 illustrates the device of FIG. 34 after carrier 300 has beenswung opened for mobile use of PC 301 and bag assembly 354 has beenrepositioned for good balance by sliding left and right tethers 359forward until they abut against mount-blocks 303, 304. Note that if theuser positions swingarm 321 to tilt downward toward the user thentethered bag 354 will tend to slide towards the user's abdomen andunbalance the suspended carrier. To prevent such inadvertentdestabilization from occurring, the user may hook the opening of tetherloops 359 over the front end of their respective sidearms 335, 336;thereby preventing the heavy bag from sliding away from mount-blocks303, 304 towards the user. See Detail A of FIG. 36 for clarity on howthe opening of said tether could be stretched to hook over the front endof said sidearm.

When user 353 wishes to put their PC back into bag 354 for transport,they simply reverse the procedure described above to lift and slide mainpocket 356 over the folded carrier 300 and close flap 355. The encasedPC and carrier may then be front-carried as shown in FIG. 33 or elseslung over a shoulder as shown in FIG. 27.

Note that the fastest and most ergonomically efficient method to open orclose carrier 300 is as follows. To open said carrier from thefully-folded configuration shown in FIG. 34: the user first grasps bothsidearms of the swingarm with their fingertips and then tilts the PCforward such that its touch screen is oriented towards the ground. Thisrotation is continued past horizontal until the swingarm's pivot axis issubstantially lower than the PC's center of mass, thereby storingpotential energy for rotating the forward-tilted tablet. The user thenpulls outward on both sidearms to release the swingarm's lockingmechanism; thereby enabling gravity to swing said PC through 180 degreesof rotation so it can be locked into the fully-opened configurationshown in FIG. 35 and then repositioned for comfort. Once gravity-drivenrotation has commenced the user releases side pressure on the swingarmsso that their lock-keys can automatically re-engage into theirrespective keyways when rotated to either their 90 degree or 180 degreelock-orientations. To close said carrier, back into its foldedconfiguration, the user reverses the above sequence by first tilting thecarrier upwards such that the PC's center of mass is substantially abovethe swingarm's axis of rotation. The user then releases the swingarm'slocking mechanism so that gravity rotates it back into to the foldedconfiguration shown it FIG. 34.

FIG. 36 illustrates the use of an auxiliary shoulder harness whichtransfers weight from the user's neck onto their shoulders for improvedcomfort during extended use. To properly understand said harness'construction and operation, FIGS. 37, 38 and 39 should be viewed inconjunction with FIG. 36. Shoulder harness 361 is a length of cordsimilar to that used to form neckstrap 306, said cord being formed tocomprise left shoulder loop 362 and a right shoulder loop 363, eachjoined together at one point to form a substantially “FIG. 8 shape” asdescribed below with reference to FIG. 37.

If the weight of PC 301 bearing onto the back of their neck becomesannoying then user 353 can don support harness 361 somewhat as theywould a shirt (left arm through left loop 362 and right arm throughright loop 363). FIG. 38 shows the user's back once said shoulderharness has been donned. Detail A of FIG. 36 illustrates how left loop362 has been hooked over the front end of left sidearm 336 (right loop363 is similarly hooked over the front end of right sidearm 335) therebytransferring the weight previously borne by neckstrap 306 and cords 345,346 onto shoulder harness 361 and the user's torso. To insure properweight transfer, the size of loop 362 and loop 363 are adjusted smallenough that their loaded triangular shape fully supports the weight andcauses neckstrap cords 345, 346 to hang slightly loose (said unloadedneckstrap cords form a slight catenary not visible in the drawings).

FIG. 37 illustrates a view of the shoulder harness of FIG. 36 when laidout flat (rather than worn over the user's shoulders and back). The cordused to fabricate said harness has a small knotted loop 364 at itsmidpoint, thereby providing a means for adjusting the size of loops 362,363 for proper fit to the user. Left and right adjustment loops 365, 366are formed through said central loop 364 such that left and right lengthadjusters 367, 368 can be clamped at various locations on theirrespective large loops to regulate their size.

FIG. 38 illustrates a rear view of the shoulder harness of FIG. 36 whenbeing worn. User 353 enjoys improved comfort because the load formerlyapplied to their neck via neckstrap sleeve 350 is now transferred acrosstheir shoulders and back by left and right harness loops 362,363.

FIG. 39 illustrates a side view of the shoulder harness 361 of FIG. 36when being worn. If left and right harness loops 362, 363 are adjustedsmall enough to relieve all neckstrap pressure then the neckstrap'scords will hang loosely (not shown). The user's hands can access PC 301by reaching either through or under loops 362, 363. The support geometryof harness 361 improves comfort and also greatly increases side-to-sidestability of PC 301 when the user makes rapid turns.

FIG. 40 is an exploded view of another OEM or “integrated” embodiment ofthe invention similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 28. In bothembodiments, instead of utilizing a cruciform keyway that is clampedonto an existing PC as shown in FIG. 32, said keyway is integrateddirectly into housing 372 of specially constructed PC 369, therebyproviding a simpler and more visually appealing apparatus. PC 369includes PC housing 372, said housing having left and right, coaxialpivot-pin fixation holes 371, each pivot-pin fixation hole beingsymmetrically centered in the bottom of left and right cruciform keyways370 which are recessed into the left and right sides of said housing.Said pivot-pin fixation holes receive the threaded portion 334 ofpivot-pin 330, thereby providing the pivoting and locking meansnecessary to mount and operate swingarm assembly 305.

Swingarm assembly 305 is comprised and configured substantially asdescribed above with reference to FIG. 32. However; the absence ofclamped-on mount-blocks protruding from the sides of the PC Saidswingarm mounts to would force its sidearms 335, 336 to swing too closeto the edge of housing 372 for the user to grasp said sidearms foroperating the swingarm mechanism as described above. Therefore, toprovide adequate finger-clearance for the PC to be rapidly opened andclosed as described above, the OEM embodiment of FIG. 40 providesextended lock-key 373, said lock-key having a sufficient depth to bothengage into cruciform keyway 370 and to also space its attached sidearms335, 336 away from the edge of case 372 by approximately ½″ for fingerclearance during operation of the swingarm mechanism.

OEM lock-key 373 is an extended version of the shorter-depth lock-key322 used in the clamp-on embodiment shown in FIG. 32. Central lock-keyhole 338 includes both a narrow diameter portion (for supporting thebearing portion 333 of pivot-pin 330) and a wider diameter portion(which enables said pivot-pin's head portion 332 to travel inside saidlock-key as described above for FIG. 32). Lock-key 373 includes threadedfixation holes 351, 352 for affixing said key to sidearm 335 using bolts339 fitted through fixation holes 341,342. The depth of OEM lock-key 373is sufficiently deep to contain the entire counter-bored portion of hole338 therefore the sidearm access hole 337 shown in FIG. 32 is notrequired. Mounting the swingarm assembly is accomplished by firstsecuring key 373 to PC housing 372 by screwing pin 330 into hole 371,after which sidearm 335 is secured to said key using bolts 339. Leftsidearm 336 is similarly assembled to the left side of case 372 (notvisible). As in FIG. 32, neckstrap cords 345, 346 are secured throughhole 34, 344 located near the front end of sidearms 335, 336.

OEM PC 369 and its detachable swingarm assembly 305 are independentlysaleable products. A user can first purchase a PC configured withstrategically positioned side fixation holes for mounting swingarm asdescribed above and then use it as they would a conventional, handheldPC. Their PC may subsequently be upgraded with a swingarm 305 to providewearability and desktop stand functions. To provide a more conventionalappearance when used as a conventional, non-wearable PC, suitably formeddecorative plugs (not shown) may be included and inserted to concealleft and right keyways 370 and swingarm fixation holes 371.

FIG. 41 illustrates another OEM embodiment, similar to those shown inFIG. 28 and FIG. 40 but better adapted for use with very thin PCs. As PCtechnology advances, the thickness of case 372 may become too small toenable a sufficiently robust cruciform keyway 370 to be recessed intoits left and right sides. Esthetic reasons also demand that the OEMhousing's built-in swingarm mount be less visible than the large keywayshown in FIG. 40. Therefore, PC 374 is configured with housing 377having a thin rectangular edge profile suitable for acting as a lock-keywhen inserted into a suitably formed keyway. Said PC housing includesleft and right fixation holes 378 (left hole not visible) said holesbeing coaxial and located with respect to the PC's center of gravitysuch that their shared axis can pivot swingarm 305 into its variousbalanced and unbalanced usage modes as described above. Said left andright fixation holes 378 are typically threaded to receive a threadedfixation portion 334 of pivot-pin 330 however “bayonet mount” fixationsmay be used to increase the ease with which swingarm 305 can be mountedor dismounted from PC 374. A decorative plug (not illustrated) may beinserted into holes 378 to provide better appearance when its optionalswingarm and neckstrap assembly has not been fitted to PC housing 377.

Swingarm assembly 305 includes left and right bolt-on keyway blocks 375(left block not visible). Each keyway block 375 includes cruciformrecess 376 having horizontal and vertical channels formed for lockingengagement onto the edge of thin PC case 377 (see FIG. 45 to view saidkeyway block without hidden lines). Each keyway block 375 includesthreaded fixations holes 351, 352 for affixing said block to sidearms335, 336 using bolts 339 fitted through fixation holes 341,342. Saidkeyway block includes central hole 338 which has both a narrow-diameterportion (for supporting the bearing portion 333 of pivot-pin 330) and awider-diameter portion (which enables said pivot-pin's head portion 332to move axially and stop the outward travel of said block as the userpulls outward against biased sidearm 335's inward pressure to releasesaid swingarm for rotation). Access hole 337 enables easy installationor removal of pivot-pin 330 using a screwdriver or Allen key. Bypermitting the head 332 of said pivot-pin to protrude through itssidearm (see FIG. 45), access hole 337 also effectively lengthens theaxial stroke of pivot-pin 330 with respect to its keyway block 375;thereby insuring adequate range of motion to fully disengage cruciformkeyway 376 from the edge of PC 377 before its motion is arrested by head332 seating onto the bottom of the large-diameter portion of hole 338.

FIG. 42 illustrates carrier 300 and PC 301 hung in landscape orientationonto wall 379. First and second wall pegs 380, 381 are spaced apart forengagement onto the curved portion of swingarm 321. Note that said pegsmay be spaced closer together onto the curve of swingarm 321 and stillenable the user to accurately orient PC 301 into its landscape viewingmode.

FIG. 43 illustrates carrier 300 and PC 301 hung in portrait orientationonto wall 379. First and second wall pegs 380, 381 are spaced apart forengagement onto a straight sidearm portion of swingarm 321. Note thatsaid pegs may be spaced closer than shown and still provide effectivesupport for portrait viewing of PC 301.

FIG. 44 illustrates carrier 300 supported in portrait orientation on adesktop using accessory stand 382. Portrait stand 382 is comprised of asubstantially rectangular platform which may optionally have a cutoutrear portion as shown for lightness. Said platform is thick enough tocontain swingarm engagement slot 383 across its front face that isdimensioned and oriented such that either sidearm of swingarm 321 fitsclosely into said slot for stable support on a desktop.

FIG. 45 illustrates the OEM embodiment of FIG. 41 when configured forintegration with a smaller Pad Computer. Previous Figures show a largerPC having a 10″ diagonal touch screen. The smaller PC 301 in FIG. 45 hasa 7″ diagonal touch screen and a correspondingly smaller case 377. Toprevent the width of swingarm 321 from being too narrow for goodergonomic fit onto its user's abdomen, right and left sidearms 335, 336include inwardly tapered arm portions 384, 385 which enable the smallerPC to be fitted with the present invention while maintaining comfortableergonomics.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 30 is also aimed at enabling wearability ofa small PC. That embodiment uses a general-purpose clip to rotateablyaffix the small PC to the swingarm and neckstrap needed to enable itswearability. The general-purpose PC carrier platform of FIG. 30 can alsobe combined with the swingarm locking mechanism shown in FIG. 45 (notillustrated).

FIG. 46 illustrates the integrated (“OEM”) embodiment of FIG. 45 whenused in conjunction with a neckstrap spreader to increase the touchscreen's accessibility. Fitting carrier 300 to small PC 301 wouldnormally result in a very narrow distance between right and leftneckstrap cords 393 and 394, thereby preventing the user's hands fromeasily accessing all areas of its touch screen, spreader 386 may beprovided and fitted as shown to effectively increase the width of theapparatus and provide greater lateral space for hand movement. In itssimplest embodiment, spreader 386 is comprised of a length of flat stockwith right and left cord notches 387 and 388. When greater touch screenaccess is desired, the user places spreader 386 against the back of PC301 than then re-routes cords 393, 394 horizontally from their couplingpoints 405, 406 through their respective notches 387, 388 such that whenengaged into said notches the distance between said cords becomes greatenough that each hand can easily access all point on the touch screen.For compact storage, spreader 386 may be hinged in the middle or have asocketed, two-part construction (not shown).

FIG. 47 is an exploded view of an embodiment that incorporates aturntable mechanism similar to that shown in FIG. 30 and atelescopically retracting body-standoff mechanism similar to that shownin FIG. 31. PC 301 is a small “Smartphone” that can be easily affixed orreleased from carrier 300 by means of form-fitting, releasable holder389. PC holder 389 is rotateably mounted to backplate 390 by means of&tented pin-boss 391 fitted through mount hole 407 and spring biasedwith “wavy-washer” 392, thereby enabling the user to reliably rotate PC301 into either portrait or landscape orientation with respect tobackplate 390.

Backplate 390 mounts right and left strut slider tubes 400 and 401through which right and left body-standoff rods 398 and 399 may beselectably slid. Rods 398 and 399 may be locked against sliding by meanssuch as the notch 404 which enables right neckstrap coupling point 406to engage into right slider tube 400 (left standoff rod 399 is similarlylockable at its fully extended stand-off length). Other length fixationmeans that use friction to lock said rods at any desired extension willbe obvious to those practiced in the art. To provide a comfortable,high-friction engagement onto the user's torso foam cushions 402, 403cap the ends of rods 398, 399. To complete carrier 300, the adjustableneckstrap comprised of cords 393, 394, right and left length adjusters395, 396 and neckstrap sleeve 397 is affixed to said rods at couplingpoints 405, 406.

In a preferred usage mode, the carrier 300 described above isdimensioned and configured such that its center of mass (once PC 301 isinstalled) falls along the line between coupling points 405, 406 whenrods 398, 399 are locked at their fullest extension and in thisconfiguration the assembly is well-balanced and the PC is spaced awayfrom the user's torso for easy access. Similarly, the configurationshown in FIG. 24 is well-balanced. It's noteworthy that the balancedcondition is what enables the PC to be suspended at 90 degrees to thelandscape orientation shown and that it hangs quite stably in thisportrait orientation as is required by certain software applications.When hung in this portrait orientation (not illustrated), the swingarm'shigh-friction contact onto the user's torso will be greatly weakened dueto the straight side of the carrier becoming the abdominal contactsurface. This balance characteristic is a noteworthy advantage of thepresent invention because any unbalanced torque due to lack of balancedsuspension of the carrier would cause it to rotate rapidly to the leftor right and thereby make it unusable.

FIG. 48: illustrates an unbalanced wearing mode that can, in some usagescenarios, be used instead of the well-balanced mode described above.Carrier 300's swingarm assembly is folded into its compact butunbalanced storage configuration and then hung around the neck of itsuser 353 (similar to the neckstrap orientation shown in FIG. 25 exceptthat the carrier is hung reversed with the PC's screen is facing inwardtowards the user's torso rather than outwards). When reversed, thisfolded carrier configuration may then be grasped and rotated such thatthe swingarm 321 becomes wedged horizontally onto the user's torso asshown. Adequate frictional contact of the swingarm (or the foam balls402, 403 in FIG. 47) is maintained by the combined weight of carrier 300and PC 301 as they tend to swing towards the user (due to the slope ofneckstrap assembly 306). When worn in this folded configuration, the PCcan be used for rapid, short-term tasks such as in a restaurant where awaitress might want to use the PC as an electronic menu for takingorders. While using this “Waitress Mode”, care must be taken to maintaina posture that engenders adequate frictional contact or else thecarrier's unbalanced torque will rotate the PC back to hang vertically.

In an alternate, asymmetrically-worn form of Waitress-Mode, the userplaces the neck strap over one shoulder with the loop passing aroundtheir head; other shoulder and arm (see FIG. 26). This hangs thecomputer beneath one arm where it can be easily shifted all the way tothe backside of the user's hip for compact, hands-free storage. Forquick use, without deploying the bridge, the computer is shifted aroundfrom the user's back and placed against the forward torso, partiallytowards the armpit under which the computer ha's been stored. The bodysupport member remains coupled to the computer in the usual manner andthe computer maintains its bridge in the parked configuration.

Wearing the unfolded, well-balanced configuration shown in FIGS. 24, 25and 26 requires more user interaction to deploy the swingarm for usehowever its ability to support the PC in portrait orientation and itsbetter screen access for typing with both hands, make it morecomfortable to use than wearing the carrier in “Waitress-Mode”.

Another significant advantage of using the folded carrier mode shown inFIGS. 24 and 26 is that PC's touch screen is oriented outward so thatits touch screen is plainly visible to passers-by. This displaycharacteristic enables the PC (when equipped with suitable displaysoftware such as Apple's Keynote™) to serve as a mobile advertisingplatform. For example: a store clerk wearing the PC as shown in FIG. 26might go about their normal manual duties while simultaneouslydisplaying an eye-catching slideshow of promotional photos and pricespecials to nearby potential customers, thereby improving the store'ssales revenues. In a non-commercial context, this same “mobileadvertising” function might enable a person to display a self-expressiveslideshow showing nearby persons the type of personal information thatthey might otherwise have to post to a social media website such asFacebook™, thereby enhancing their ease of social interaction.

FIG. 49 illustrates an alternate embodiment of carrier 500 that enableselevated positioning of the PC 501 for improved viewing ergonomics whenstood on a desktop. This embodiment is configurable to serve as a common“folio” or “sleeve” style of case wherein PC 501 is contained within arigid or semi-rigid backplate sleeve 502. Backplate sleeve 502 is ofsimilar construction to the backplate sleeve 100 with gripping means 101that is shown in FIG. 15. In FIG. 49, said gripping means extend furtherto provide a protective box-like enclosure around the lower, left andright sides of PC 501. To complete the folio enclosure, the uppergripping means 504 is extended and jointed along hinge lines such thatit forms a panel that can be selectably folded over the screen of PC 501for protective storage (similar to the screen cover shown in FIG. 11).The user may easily unfold the upper gripping closure panel to use thePC or to open the top aperture through which the PC can be removed forcharging. This simple style of folio sleeve is useful for protecting aPC however it lacks the functional advantages of the wearable carrierembodiments described above.

To enable and enhance the utility of folio sleeve 502, three elementsmay be detachably affixed to it:

1) Body stand-off spacer may be affixed to the bottom edge of sleeve 502to enable it to grip a user's torso and space PC 501 away from theirbody when worn. The body stand-off 503 may be formed, integral to sleeve502 or detachably affixed along a separation line 507 as shown.2) Neckstrap 507 may be detachably affixed to backplate sleeve 502 atcoupling points 509 (similar to fixation points 16 and 18 shown in FIG.1). If both 503 and 507 are present then carrier 500 becomes wearable ina manner similar to the Waitress Mode shown in FIG. 48.3) To enable carrier 500 to serve as a desktop computer stand as shownin FIG. 5 or FIG. 22, left and right propping members 505, 506 may beattached using rotatable means as shown. Other detachable prop fixationssuch as sockets may also be used. When backplate 502 is propped onto adesk as shown, body stand-off spacer raises PC 501 closer to the user'seye level, thereby improving ergonomics.

CONCLUSION

The foregoing has constituted a description of specific embodimentsshowing how the invention may be applied and put into use. Theseembodiments are only exemplary. The invention in its broadest, and morespecific aspects, is further described and defined in the claims whichnow follow.

These claims, and the language used therein, are to be understood interms of the variants of the invention which have been described. Theyare not to be restricted to such variants, but are to be read ascovering the full scope of the invention as is implicit within theinvention and the disclosure that has been provided herein.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, forclarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also beprovided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, variousfeatures of the invention that are, for brevity, described in thecontext of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or inany suitable subcombination.

1. A support for a tablet computer to be used by a user comprising: a) abody support member by which the weight of the computer may be carriedby the upper body of a user, and b) a body propping member forpositioning the computer outwardly from the torso of a user thatincludes two movable arms with computer connections for engaging with acomputer wherein such arms can be deployed from storage positions alongthe side edges of a computer when present to an operating positionwhereat respective extendable ends of the arms are positioned for beingsupported by the torso of a user, and wherein the body support member isin the form of one or more straps that provide support to the respectivetwo movable arms at coupling points on such arms or extensions or linksconnected thereto, for carrying the weight of a computer, which couplingpoints, when the body propping member is in its operating position, arepositioned inboard of the transverse edges of the computer when present.2. A support for a tablet computer to be used by a user comprising: a) abody support member by which the weight of the computer may be carriedby the upper body of a user, and b) a body propping member forpositioning the computer outwardly from the torso of a user thatincludes two movable arms with computer connections for engaging with acomputer wherein such arms can be deployed from storage positions alongthe side edges of a computer when present to an operating positionwhereat respective extendable ends of the arms are positioned for beingsupported by the torso of a user, and wherein the body support member isin the form of one or more straps that provide support to the respectivetwo movable arms at coupling points on such arms or extensions or linksconnected thereto, for carrying the weight of a computer, wherein thecoupling points are respectively positioned with respect to the computerconnection at a location that is remote from the extendable ends of thearms.
 3. A support as in claim 1 or 2 in combination with a computerwherein the coupling points are positioned along a transverse linespanning the width of the computer which is proximate to or inapproximate alignment with the center of mass of the combined computerplus body propping member.
 4. A support as in claim 1 or 2 wherein thecomputer connections comprise clamps that can engage the upper and lowerfaces of a computer along the respective sides of the computer when acomputer is present.
 5. A support as in any one of claims 1, 2 or, 3 incombination with a computer wherein the computer connections for thebody propping member comprise holes in the respective sides of thecomputer in combination with a fastener that engages with such hole toconnect the respective arms to the computer.
 6. A computer and supportcombination as in claim 5 wherein the opening is threaded to receive athreaded fastener.
 7. A computer and support combination as in claim 5wherein the side walls of the opening are shaped to receive a bayonetfastener.
 8. A computer for engaging a support as in claim 1 or 2 havingopenings formed along its respective lateral edges to provideconnections to a support as in claim 1 or
 2. 9. A support as in claim 1or 2 wherein the computer connection of each of the arms allows therespective arms, upon being transferred from the storage position to theoperating position, to be disengageably fixed at either of suchpositions.
 10. A support as in claim 1 or 2 wherein the computerconnections are pivotal connections.
 11. A support as in claim 10wherein the computer connections allow the respective arms to be rotatedto one or more preferred orientations intermediate the storage positionand the operating position to be detachably fixed at such one or moreorientations by locking means.
 12. A support as in claim 11 wherein thelocking means effects a frictional or clamping engagement that, whenengaged, will eliminate the tendency of the arms to rotate with respectto the computer.
 13. A support as in claim 11 wherein the locking meanscomprises a key and keyway connector combination.
 14. A support as inclaim 13 comprising a connecting member or “bridge” which joins therespective extendable ends of each arm to each other with the other endsof each arm being spaced apart for connection to opposite sides of aportable computer that is to be supported wherein the arms areresiliently inwardly biased for engagement of the key and keywayconnector combination.
 15. A support as in claim 13 or 14 wherein thekeyway is of cruciform configuration.
 16. A support as in claim 13 or 14wherein the keyway is shaped to disengageably fix the arms at anintermediate location between the storage and operating positionswhereby the body propping member can be used to prop the computer on asupport surface, allowing it to be inclined at an angle which isconvenient for viewing and/or operation by a user.
 17. A support as inclaim 16 wherein the intermediate location is at 90° to the plane of thecomputer to be carried by the support
 18. A support as in any one ofclaim 13, 14, 15, 16, or 17 in combination with a computer wherein therespective lateral edges of the computer serve as the key for engagingthe keyway.
 19. A computer wherein the lateral edges of the computercontain a slot to serve as a keyway for engagement with a support as inany one of claim 13, 14, 15, 16, or
 17. 20. A computer wherein thelateral edges of the computer provide a key for engagement with a keywaycarried by a support as in any one of claim 13, 14, 15, 16, or
 17. 21. Asupport as in claim 1 wherein the arms when in their storage positionsare connected to the computer connections so as to be co-planar with acomputer when present.
 22. A support as in any one of the above claimscomprising a connecting member or “bridge” which joins the respectiveextendable ends of each arm to each other with the other ends of eacharm being spaced apart for connection to opposite sides of a portablecomputer that is to be supported.
 23. A support as in claim 22 whereinthe arms are curved outwardly where the arms meet the bridge.
 24. Asupport as in claim 22 wherein the bridge comprises an abdominalconforming shape for effecting improved engagement with the torso of auser.
 25. A support as in claim 24 wherein the bridge along itsabdominal conforming surface comprises a friction surface for improvedfrictional engagement with the torso of a user.
 25. A support as inclaim 22 in combination with a computer wherein the computer connectionsare pivotal connections that permit the bridge to be swung from theoperating position to the storage position, wherein in the storageposition the bridge is parked adjacent to the edge of the computer whichis remote from the body of a user and the bridge is closer to thecomputer than when in the operating position.
 26. A support as in claim25 wherein the bridge is co-planar with the computer when the bridge isparked adjacent to the edge of the computer in its storage position. 27.A support as in any one of the above claims in combination with abacking plate spanning between the two arms.
 28. A support as in claim27 wherein the backing plate carries the arms through edge-mountedguides located on the lateral sides of the backing plate which allow thearms to be slid for storage alongside such lateral sides.
 29. A supportas in claim 27 wherein the computer connections comprise clamps carriedby the backing plate for engaging the upper and lower faces of acomputer along the respective sides of the computer when a computer ispresent.
 30. A support as in claim 27 comprising a rotationallyadjustable turntable mounted on the backing plate for carrying acomputer, the turntable comprising fastening means for holding acomputer in place thereon and further comprising stops for positioningthe turntable at preferred orientations, thereby allowing a computer tobe supported on the backing plate in either landscape or portraitorientation.
 31. A support as in claim 30 wherein the backing platecomprises a midpoint extension displaced outwardly from the upper edgeof the backing plate to carry the turntable.
 32. A support as in any oneof the above claims wherein the body support member comprises adjustmentmeans to permit a user to raise or lower the vertical location of thecomputer when carried by a user.
 33. A support as in claim 32 whereinthe body support member comprises a neck strap which is composed of twopieces of linear material, one end of the each of the respective piecesof the neck strap being connected to support the computer and, with theneck strap being dimensioned to pass around the back of the neck of auser, the other ends terminating at compression-actuated sliding andlocking end connectors located to be proximate to the chest of the userto provide a sliding, locking engagement between the respective ends ofthe respective composite strap and an adjacent mid-portion of theopposite strap, thereby providing means for positioning the verticallocations of the two computer-supporting ends of the strap portions. 34.A support as in claim 33 comprising a protective sleeve for covering andpermitting the sliding of the strap portions as they pass around theback of the neck of a user thereby isolating any sliding action by thestrap portions from rubbing against the clothing or body of a wearerwherein the sleeve is bifurcated to provide two separate channels withinwhich the neck strap portions may independently slide.
 35. A support asin claim 32 wherein the body support member comprises a shoulder harnessthat includes for each side of the body a strap portion that isdimensioned to pass over the shoulder of a user on one side, cross overthe back proceeding downwardly and then to pass forwardly under thearmpit of a user for connection to a computer.
 36. A support as in claim35 wherein the respective body side straps portions of the shoulderharness form sections which come down from over the shoulder and returnunder an armpit of a user with the descending loop hooked around therespective arms of the body propping member to provide support for thecomputer.
 37. A support as in any one of the above claims in combinationwith an elastic waist strap dimension to fit around the back of a userat waist level and comprising connecting means at the ends of the waiststrap for engaging with the intersections between the respective arms.38. A support as in any one of the above claims in combination with astorage bag for a computer, the storage bag comprising a closure flapfor overlying the access to the bag, the closure flap having a cornernotch along its upper folding edge where the flap folds over to effectclosure, the notch allowing access for the neck strap to extend into thebag where it may connected to and support a computer when placed in thestorage bag.
 39. A support as in claim 38 wherein the storage bagcomprises tethers for detachable engagement to each of the arms, suchtethers being attachable to the extendable ends of the arms or proximateto the computer connection for when the support is in use by a user. 40.A support as in any one of the above claims in combination with a propfor supporting a computer on a desktop when at least one of the arms isparked in its storage position along a lateral side of the computer whenpresent, the prop being in the form of a foot plate having ahorizontally aligned slot for receiving and engaging the parked arm forsupporting the computer.
 41. A support as in any one of the above claimsin combination with a spreader member with strap engaging means at itsouter ends to provide coupling points which are located laterallyoutward from the support and thereby improve manual access to a computerwhen present.
 42. A support as in claim 41 wherein the spreader membercomprises laterally outwardly extendable portions to the arms whichextendable portions carry the coupling points.
 43. A support as in claim41 wherein the spreader is a linear member that is collapsible in itslength to reduce its dimension to the point where it will, fit in astorage bag that is approximately the size of a computer.
 44. A methodof using a support as in claim 22 in combination with a computer havinga gravity sensor for presenting an upright image comprising: 1) carryingthe computer with the bridge in the stored position and the computer ina pendulous orientation while outwardly displaying an upright image onthe computer 2) shifting the computer to the front portion of the user;and 3) deploying the computer from the pendulous orientation to ahorizontal orientation by rotating the computer to cause the display tore-orient by 180 degrees and placing the bridge against the forward sideof the torso of a user for use.
 45. A computer support comprising: 1) abacking plate that carries periphery gripping means to engage the sidesof a computer and provide a case for the computer; 2) a top aperture inthe through which a computer can be inserted or removed; 3) a closurefor the top aperture that comprises a protective panel which isconnected to the backing plate along a hinge line to allow the panel tobe folded over the screen of a computer for protective storage of thecomputer or unfolded to expose the computer and the top aperture forremoval of the computer from the sleeve; 4) a body stand-off spacerdetachably affixed to the case along its bottom edge for engaging with auser's torso and thereby space the computer away from a user's torsowhen worn; 5) a neckstrap for being detachably connected to the backingplate at two spaced apart coupling points, and 6) a deployable proppingstructure connected to the backing plate to support the case on adesktop.
 46. A computer support as in claim 45 wherein the proppingstructure is attached to the sleeve by rotatable connections.
 47. Acomputer support as in claim 45 or 46 wherein the wherein the bodystand-off spacer is formed integrally to the sleeve.
 48. A computersupport as in any one of claim 45, 46 or 47 wherein the proppingstructure is attached to the sleeve by rotatable connections.
 49. Acomputer support as in any one of claim 45,
 46. 46 or 47 wherein thebody stand-off spacer is detachable affixed to the sleeve along aseparation line
 50. A computer support as in claim 22 in combinationwith a computer having a thickness wherein the width of the arms andbridge measured in the same plane as the thickness of the computer isgreater than the thickness of the computer.